The Christmas survival guide: 10 tips to sail through December without indigestion or weight gain

Don’t we all love December for its Christmas parties and celebrations? And at the same time don’t we dread this time of the year because it is often synonymous with indigestion, headaches and weight gain?

Well, it doesn’t have to be like this. It is possible to sail through December with ease, and without stress or weight gain. The secret is preparation, decision and self-discipline.

Here are my top 10 tips which will make the difference for you this year:

• Start the day with a cup of warm water and the juice of half a lemon. You have been told many times it is good for you, but you still doubt it. Just give it a try and you will see why in just a few days.
• Get your eight hour sleep (or more if you can) every day. When tired, we tend to make the wrong food choices. We are attracted to sugary and fatty foods, the worse for digestion and weight gain.
• Watch your portions and no seconds. You may think that Christmas is about overindulging, but in the end, I can assure you that you will have much better souvenir of the holiday if you control your portions.
• Limit the time you eat during the day to a eight to ten hour window. This is a type of intermittent fasting that really works. This way you can enjoy the food and drinks without overdoing it.
• Eat slowly. When you take time to eat, you are producing more digestive enzymes and stomach acid, both of which helps with digestion.
• Move as much as possible. Any type of exercise, from power walking to a seven minute high intensity body weight exercise, will be beneficial. Plus, this will burn off the extra calories.
• Not all alcohols are equal. The worst alcohols for weight gain, are the ones with the highest level of sugar, which are mainly beers and lagers, sparkling wines, dessert wines, and fortified wines (e.g. sherry or port).
• To help with digestion for large meals, have one teaspoon to one tablespoon of organic raw apple cider vinegar or Swedish bitter about 30 minutes before your meal, as a shot followed by a few sips of water. It kick-starts your digestion.
• Make sure to drink enough still water. This will prevent you from being dehydrated and having headaches. Most people need one and a half to two litres of still water daily, and more when alcohol is involved. For best results drink throughout the day.
• Finish your meals with peppermint tea: It has been shown to help with gas, preventing cramping and stomach discomfort.

Have a wonderful Christmas!