How to cope with Christmas overeating?

TOP Tips for survival:

1. MOVE

Who wouldn't want to miss a big family get-together or an evening snuggled up on the sofa watching a Christmas film?! But in addition to these, make sure you include some active social activities for the holidays. You don't have to do heavy and tiring workouts during the much-anticipated break to stay in shape. A walk together can also be a great activity. If weather permits, it can be great fun to go sledding or build a snowman with the kids. But a Christmas market can also be an exciting activity. It's a fun way to make up for the extra calories.

2. ALCOHOL

At the festive table, we tend to be more self-indulgent and alcohol tends to slip in more easily. Let's not forget that alcohol has a high energy content, not to mention the fact that punch, mulled wine and various liqueurs with a high sugar content are on the table.

3. BALANCED MEALS

Eating a little more and a little differently for a day or two won't make the world go round. But it's important to keep a balance. It is not a good tactic to fast all day and "save your stomach" for the big meal in the evening. Start the day with a fibre-rich breakfast, make sure you eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and drink enough fluids.

4. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY'S SIGNALS

Sitting at a table full of delicious snacks, it's hard to stop yourself from eating everything. Listen to your body's signals! Reduce portion sizes and try to include a vegetable side dish in your menu. And to avoid food coma, remind yourself not to eat everything at once. Pack up any leftovers you don't eat and divide them up for later in the day to avoid wasting food.

5. HAVE FUN

The purpose of big family gatherings is to have fun together, not to feel bad because you ate or didn't eat something. There are 365 days in a year, it's not those 2-3 days that will ruin your diet. Allow yourself to feel good and let go of the anxiety associated with it. If you're a little more conscious and sneak in a little extra fruit and veg at your mid-day meals you'll be fine.

6. VITAMINS

Exposure to all sorts of illnesses is already higher in the winter, but the stress of visiting relatives and friends at Christmas, and the stress of presents and organising, increases the chance of getting ill even more.  Eat a varied diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables and fluids. It may be worth paying more attention to vitamin supplementation at this time of year. This could be a good multivitamin or supplements of your own choosing, including vitamin C, vitamin D, B vitamins, Omega-3 and magnesium.