5 tips to enjoy a healthier Christmas

If there was ever a time to just let loose and enjoy ourselves, then it would be at Christmas. But that doesn't mean all of our healthy habits need to go out the window. It's about balance but being kind to ourselves and cutting ourselves a bit of slack! Here at Icon we have some simple tips to get you through Christmas so you can start January 2020 without feeling sluggish and bloated and raring to go! 

1. Watch the sugar

Have you ever noticed how that one chocolate leads to 3 then to 4 then to.... whoops! 

Of course, we want treats over Christmas, but try to eat more protein and vegetables at dinner so you feel less need for a large portion of dessert, or opt for those treats with less sugar to keep you on track. Come January, you'll feel so much better for it.

2. Don't say no to H2O!!!

Don’t forget to keep drinking water. It’s so easy to forget when we are not in our usual routine but dehydration will make you feel sluggish physically and mentally and may lead to eating even more! If you are planning on enjoying a few alcoholic drinks over the festive season, try to drink a glass of water between beverages.

3. Be mindful over what you are eating

Take time to really enjoy your food. Eat slowly and listen to your body. It will tell you when it's full. If you can stop when you're full and not when you've finished what is in front of you then your body will thank you for it. It also means you can eat a little more of what you want without the additional guilt and uncomfortable bloated feeling you get afterwards. 

4. Don't be a couch potato...

Exercise can make you feel great, it get's the blood flowing and releases those endorphins. There are so many benefits to keeping active and just because it's Christmas doesn't mean you should turn into the couch. Even if it's doing something simple like going for a walk or a simple body weight workout from home, you'll really feel the benefits, not only physically but mentally.  

Example Home Workout (no equipment needed:
30 Seconds:
Pushups
Jumping Jacks
Full Burpees
Mountain Climbers
Plank

Rest - 1 Minute
Repeat Sets - 5

5. Relax and Reset

Aaaaaaaaaaannnnndddddd relax!!! You've worked hard this year. Enjoy spending time with your loved ones and use this time to reflect on 2019- work out what your 2020 goals are. Then go get them!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!