Image source tokyo ayano

Christmas is nearly upon us and the temptation to overindulge on turkey, chocolates and snacks and wash it all down with pints of beer and numerous glasses of champagne, not to mention the minced pies, is all too luring.

Can it be resisted?

Year after year my family and friends say to me that this year will be different. They claim to steer clear of the minced pies and only drink sensible volumes of alcohol, how foolish of them to even attempt such a feat I say to myself, knowing that as soon as that first minced pie hits their lips an internal and uncontrollable urge supersedes their well meaning wishes to eat moderately and drink sensibly. We all know what happens next because we’ve either been there or witnessed it happen. One becomes two which becomes too many to remember.

Of course, there are the strict disciplinarians that can manage just the odd snack, conservative turkey portions and government guideline alcohol volumes. My hat is well and truly taken off for them and I envy their inner strength.

This year I aim to do things differently and so should you. Being that we are all interested in health, fitness and well being why not try a different turkey recipe? There is no need for drastic changes to how you prepare the meal and if you are a guy that does not prepare the meal and leaves it to a girlfriend, wife, mother or sister then politely inform her of your pre New Year’s Christmas dinner resolution.

I found an article at weightlossresources.co.uk that will be of interest to those that want a healthier Christmas period. The article provides 12 handy hints for a fat reduced turkey dinner and pudding that are practical in helping to keep the calorie content minimal.

Image source Markus Moning

Of course, the other main culprit for piling on the calories this festive period will be alcohol based. With the Champagne bottle popped, the wine uncorked and the beer on tap it will be easy to accrue 1000 kcals at a single party occasion. With many people enjoying drinks on Christmas eve and then again with their dinner on Christmas day, plus New Year’s Eve a few days later the temptation to drink irresponsibly can be too much to refuse.

Bear in mind that each drink contains approximately:
• ½ bottle wine = 250 kcals
• glass of Champagne = 100 kcals
• pint of beer = 170-200 kcals

For more information related to alcohol take a look at this guide.

All that is left for me to say is no matter what you decide upon with respect to dietary habit this festive period, remember to enjoy yourself, spend time with loved ones and remember that there is always next year to get it right.

If you have any interesting methods for keeping the body nice and trim then please feel free to comment and let others know.