How to have a healthy festive season

Party season doesn't mean your health has to take a total nose dive. Chloe Bowler shares her tips on staying healthy over Christmas

Christmas is such a magical time of year, and a very busy time of year for everyone, with more parties and socialising than normal. While this is great fun, it can have an adverse effect on your health. Not only may your diet suffer, but many people also find their alcohol intake dramatically increases throughout December, and this can often lead to a poor diet, lack of nutrition, and generally bad food choices. Mix this in with a lack of sleep, and you have a recipe for Christmas flu!

I am a definite supporter of partying and love the merriment of the season, however, as the weather changes, the temperature drops, and sleep can be harder to fit in, it is so important to try to counter the negative effects with some positive steps for your health.

Sleep and good nutrition are paramount for a strong immune system, so do try to keep in some sort of sleep routine. Don’t spread yourself too thinly, and diarise some early evenings as well as the late-night parties. If you know you are going to be out at a party all evening, try to eat something nutritious before you go out, so you don’t end up not eating, or choosing a greasy burger late at night. Include wholegrain carbohydrates such as brown rice to keep you energised, along with some lean protein and vegetables.

Brightly coloured fruits and vegetables are high in Vitamin C, and will help support the immune system. Everyone automatically thinks of citrus fruits for Vitamin C, but in actual fact, you will get more Vitamin C from broccoli and peppers, so think vegetables, and think rainbow colours when choosing your food.

If you are finding your exercise routine dips, don’t worry. Sometimes it’s good for the body to have a break. However, if you can find the time, try to incorporate a shorter workout into your day, or fit in a workout in the morning if your evenings are now too busy. Always try to find time for some walking at the weekend, the fresh air has so many health benefits, and it’s not too stressful on the body if you are tired. It’s all about balance, and you will feel a lot better in January if you have been able to keep up with some exercise throughout December.

If you are drinking more alcohol than usual, I would always recommend people to increase their water intake. It may seem simple, but it is also really easy to get dehydrated. If you feel thirsty you are already dehydrated, so remember, prevention is better than cure. Sip water throughout the day, and when you are drinking alcohol always try to match it with the same volume of water as well. 

5 Tips To Stay Healthy

Keep to a healthy eating routine. If you’re out in the evening, eat before you go.

Eat the rainbow. Fill your plate with brightly coloured vegetables to boost your immune system.

Schedule your exercise. Even if it’s one workout in the week, and a walk at the weekend, put it in your diary and you’ll be more likely to stick to it.

Keep hydrated. Carry water with you, and drink consistently throughout the day.

Get the zzz’s in. Sleep helps the body recover, so mark some early evenings in the diary, and get some rest.