How to Enjoy a Healthier Christmas, 17 Tips from our Team

Christmas can become a time for over indulging on alcohol and stodgy foods.   

It’s great to treat yourself over Christmas but there are lots of ways to make things a little healthier.  Hopefully you can start the new year feeling refreshed, rested and healthy.

 

Here are our top tips for a healthy Christmas from the Ashlins team.

 

1. Try not to drink everyday! Have a few days off to recover.
   
   

2. When you do drink try to stay hydrated.  Alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or water and drink soft drink before bed.  Dehydration is a big cause of hangovers!

3.  Eat some fruit and vegetables everyday.  Snacking on  carrot sticks, sliced peppers and dips such as hummus or guacamole is a tasty and easy way to enjoy vegetables.

4. Keep an eye on how much sugar you are consuming.

5. Remember fruit juice contributes to your 5 a day.  Try seasonal mulled apple juice or a refreshing orange and cranberry mix.

6. Include anti-inflammatory foods such as turmeric and ginger in your diet.

7. Get a good night’s sleep whenever you can.  Partying late every night will wear you out.

8. Enjoy some fresh air! Leave the house everyday when you’re off work, walk to and from the station on your commute, go for a walk on christmas morning or boxing day.

9. Christmas can be a stressful time for many reasons.  Make some time for yourself.  Try to fit in something relaxing  – maybe meditation, progressive muscle relaxation, yoga, walk in Epping Forest, craft activity, whatever works for you!

10. Say no to social or family occasions that you don’t enjoy or stress you out.

11. Be mindful of heavy or awkward lifting  such as carrying groceries, large presents, boxes of decorations.  Get someone to help you if possible.  Lift with the weight close to your body so you don’t end up over reaching.

 

12. If you have a long journey home for Christmas how can you make it more comfortable? Maybe take a break during a long drive, get up and have a walk on a train or plane, use a small pillow to support your back.

13.  Try elderberry syrup on your porridge or toast to give you a vitamin C boost.

14.  Take Christmas as an opportunity for a break from emails and social media.

15. Don’t drink on an empty stomach.  If you don’t have time to eat before your party try having a banana smoothie.

16.  Consider taking vitamin B12 as some people find it prevents hangovers.  Check that it is safe for you and doesn’t interact with any medication you’re taking.

17. Remember, a little of what you fancy does you good.

 

Merry Christmas!

 

Contributions from Ed, Petra, Sarah, Sue and Tatina