Ensure you stay on track with your health and fitness goals this season with these five simple tips.
1. Create a Food Diary
If you’re trying to keep on top of your health goals it might be time to start a food diary to help keep track of what you’re eating. Clever apps like Calorific, My Diet Coach and Yazio are all options that help track food, calories and goals, ensuring festive blow-outs aren’t on the cards.
2. Take Time Out
Mental and emotional health is just as important as physical health at this time of year. You’re tired from twelve months of being on the go, and as your social life is likely kicking into overdrive it’s more imperative than ever to create balance so you don’t burn out. Take time out everyday to do something you love, be it exercise, meditation, journaling or mandala colouring in. Whatever it is make is an activity that reduces stress, boosts energy and sets you in good stead for the year ahead.
3. Be Prepared
Incidental snacking, like grabbing a packet of chips from the vending machine or eating all the party pies because you’re starving, is one of the most common festive season pitfalls. How does it come about? Lack of preparation. Put some time aside each week to pack your lunch and snacks in advance, so when that pang of hunger hits you’re prepared with healthy choices. Keep them in your handbag or deskside so they’re readily available whenever you need them. Another tip? Up your water intake to counteract any increased alcohol and salt you might be indulging in.
4. Make “Moving” Dates
If you’re trying to squeeze in catch-ups with friends before the year wraps up, opt for healthy dates like walking or running over dinner or a drink. You’ll still get a chance to talk, but rather than being sedentary (and probably having a few drinks and a greasy meal) you’ll be out in the fresh air and exercising instead.
5. Embrace Probiotics
New research suggests diversity in your gut health creates increased resilience, meaning looking after the natural gut flora that exists in us all has the ability to make you healthier. One of the easiest way to preserve your natural bacteria is to take pre and probiotic supplements, which work to balance the good and bad bacteria, increasing nutrient absorption, boosting immunity and even alleviating stress.
Words by Yasemin Trollope, image under license of Shutterstock.com.
Yasemin Trollope is a health and beauty expert with over 10 years of experience in print and online media. She’s studied at IIN and believes that true health comes from listening to your body’s needs rather than following a script. You can follow her on Instagram @yaz_trollope.
The information provided in this article is for general information purposes only and is not to be taken as a substitute for medical advice. Please consult your doctor or a qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health and wellbeing or on any opinions expressed within this article. The information and opinions expressed in this article are the views of the author and may not necessarily be the views of API or Priceline. API or Priceline will not be responsible for any actions taken by a reader as a result of this article.
