4 tips for navigating the silly season

It's now well into November which only means one thing - "Santa clause is coming to town" - Now while this is true, for the adults it also means a lot more socialising, eating meals out, drinking and Christmas catch ups.

For people trying to lose weight, this can cause great anxiety as they feel they might fall off the rails or put on weight if they allow themselves to eat a few chocolates. This doesn't have to be the case. Christmas should be a time of joy and being with the ones you love,

Here are my tips on how to stay healthy in the festive season

Tip 1 - Relax and enjoy the time with friends

This is my main tip. Yes there may be more socialising and catch ups than other times of the year, but that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Part of life is being out with friends and enjoying food. Just like eating one salad isn't going to make you healthy or you're not going to be fit after one run, having one burger and chips or pizza isn't going to cause massive weight gain. When you are out socialising with friends or family, just relax and enjoy it. The main thing is to really listen to your body and tune into when you are hungry and then making sure you properly chew you food so you can really tell when you are full and then not just eating for the sake of it.

Tip 2 - Ensure you up your vegetable intake on the days you have social events

Just because you are eating out more, that also doesn't mean that all of your healthy habits have to go out the window. On the days you know you have parties or social occasions, making sure that you are eating 1-2 cups of vegetables and 1-2 pieces of fruit at your other meals that day. This is going to help not only keep your digestive system healthy but vegetables help keep you fuller for longer so you're less likely to pick at that cheeseboard unnecessarily or have that 4th pulled pork slider at the office Christmas party.

Tip 3 - Make every second drink a glass of water

It's no secret that more Alcohol is consumed in December than any other month of the year. And it is also no secret that the food that is consumed after a night out can make you feel less than healthy the day after a night out drinking. Swapping every second alcoholic drink for a sparkling or still water will ensure that you not only don't consume as much alcohol but also that you then make good choices when it comes to food the following day.

Tip 4 - Keep up your exercise regime

As much as going for a run or to the gym is the last thing you feel like doing being hungover, getting out and exercising is going to be one of the best things you can do. It will help clear your head and also ensure that you don't slip out of your exercise regime altogether.

Tip 5 - Have protein every 3-4 hours

Protein is one of the best macro nutrients to be able to keep you full for a long time. Ensuring that you have protein with every meal such as lean meat, poultry, eggs, dairy or legumes such as lentils, chickpeas or beans will make sure that you are satisfied for longer and won't be searching through the fridge hungry just a few hours later. If you do find yourself wanting something