Every Christmas, most people do the same thing – eat more and then must eat extra portions because “it’s Christmas”….

For those people not fortunate enough to be able to attend our UK pop up camp, at the beautiful Osea Island, near London, 3 – 24 February 2018, here are our 10 top tips for keeping in shape during the festive season.

1. Fill the plate with vegetables first!

Fill your plate with vegetables first, then add meat. This will help your body feel fuller more quickly and reduce the amount of meat eaten over the holiday period. This in turn will help your body digest food more easily and reduce the build-up of meat in your system, which not only makes you feel heavy and sluggish but increases the chances of heart disease and clogged arteries in the process.

2. Drink lots of water before large meals!

Drink a pint of water before you sit down and eat or drink anything at the dinner table or the party. Sometimes we have been so busy during the day that we forget that we need to rehydrate……and then we drink ANYTHING and can also eat more, confusing hunger with thirst.

3. Make a healthy cake and take your own dessert!

Taking your own dessert or cake increases the chances of you eating something healthier and keeps you in control of your choices of sweet food in other people’s homes.

4. Workout before attending a dinner or social gathering!

By working out before a party or large family meal, you will prepare your body to be refuelled. It also makes you want to make healthier choices, so you will be able to go straight to top tip no1!

5. Buy a dress or shirt and put it on every 3 days to see if it still fits at the end of the holidays too!

By buying a piece of clothing to wear before Christmas and putting it on every few days, you will be able to see and feel how you are progressing!

6. Portion control!

Be conscious of your plate and portion size at the family dinner table.

7. Eat slowly!

Work on eating and putting your knife and fork down in between taking a bite. This will help the mind register what the stomach is digesting!

8. If you drive, choose to drive and don’t drink!

Alcohol is high in calories and encourages you to make bad choices by weakening your resolve. Therefore, it’s a good idea not to drink or find ways not too. Bring your own sparkling water and lemon slices with you!

9. Keep a food diary!

You will be shocked about how much you can eat. Seeing this in writing may act as a wake up call!!

10. Eat and drink everything in sight and book The Body Camp for the New Year!

…or you could visit The Body Camp in the UK from 3 – 24 February

https://thebodycamp.com/retreats-uk/

or Ibiza 3 March – 3 November 2018

https://thebodycamp.com/bookings/

and get yourself out of feeling heavy, unhealthy and slow….

Whatever you choose to do, have a wonderful festive season.

Rick Parcell
Strategic Intervention Coach
THE Body Camp