Christmas cheer not kilos

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The festive season is often referred to as the 'silly season' due to the over indulging of eating, drinking and late nights.  On average we put on 3kg over the Christmas and New Year (I know...3kgs!!), which is the downside to this revelry.  This should come as no surprise with all the yummy food that is just calling to be eaten.  I've put together a guide to follow over the next month to ensure you look and feel your best come January.

Everything in moderation is the key, no surprises there, whether it is food or alcohol.  Of course exercise is a necessity to counteract the indulgence.

Think before you pick
When 1 fat laden canape turns into 10, this is when the trouble starts.  Try to fill up on crudites, salads,, sushi and lean meats and never turn up starving.

Try to limit the snacks and choose vegetables rather than crisps with the dips.  Pretzels over peanuts, bread sticks over corn chips and salsa over creamier counterparts.  Trim the fat off the Christmas meats, fill up on gourmet salads.  Dried fruit is a healthier option over cheeses.  Pavlova (minus the cream) is actually fat free making it a better choice than cheesecake.

Alcohol doesn't have to be a sin, if you know a few tricks.  Start with a glass of sparkling water to take the edge off your thirst.  Dry wines and spirits mixed with diet drinks are far better options than beer, cider, cocktails and milky spirits.  As a rule of thumb, the clearer the drink, less the headache the next day, or so they say.

Damage control
If you do overindulge, repair the damage by eating less the next day.  Re-hydrate with plenty of water and concentrate on fresh fruit and vegetables.

As soon as the hangover wears off, get active!  Go to the gym, head to the beach or go for a jog.  Getting the blood flowing will help with recovery and your body will show for it.  You will be thankful after it is done, so don't think  too much - just get out there!

Our bodies recover with sleep; lots of late nights can make us feel like zombies.  Make sure you catch up on missed sleep so you can back up and be the life of the party the next night...or not.

All this doesn't mean you have to deprive yourself over the festive season, even if you are watching your waistline.  If you follow these simple tips you will enjoy the party season without feeling worse for wear.