Don’t panic, its only Christmas

How are you feeling?  Having a panic over presents, food, booze, decorations, whether you should invite auntie Ethel round? 

Just stop – its OK, really it is.  Contrary to public opinion, the shops will open again, you don’t have to buy enough to prepare for a siege.  And buying presents is not the be all and end all.  Breathe and relax.  We have bought Crisis at Christmas meals for my children and for each other.  Its easy to do and will make a difference to someone’s life.  We are not in a frenzy of wrapping paper and last minute dashes for the shops.  (We did get presents for my little grandchildren!)

Why am I telling you this?  Because the amount of stress is enormous and that floods into our health, fitness and food.  Now I’m not going to go all sanctimonious on you, but don’t let a few days undo weeks of effort.  Of course enjoy a lovely meal, have a drink but don’t eat your entire body weight in Quality Street, top up with 5 mince pies and an extra sandwich or two.  You are just making hard work for yourself. 

Here’s a plan that will work:

·         Have a great Christmas day but don’t go mad

·         Eat the veg, go easy on the potatoes

·         Have a drink – but remember your liver – don’t make it work so hard that you feel ill

·         Moderation is actually OK

·         Before you put it in your mouth, think how far you will need to run to work off the calories (21 minutes of running or 40 minutes of walking to work off a mince pie!)

·         Move, go for a walk, get down to the gym, don’t give up

·         Ditch the left overs – just as wasted in your tummy if you don’t need them as they are in the bin.

·         Relax, it’s a day off – chat to friends and family – go to church, have fun.

·         Don’t forget, you don’t need to eat everything going to have a good time! 

Forefront Fitness gyms are only closed for two days of Christmas and two of New Year – we are there, ready to help you get back on track.  See you soon !