ASK LOTTIE

“It's not even Christmas yet and I feel like I've already over-indulged! How can I still take part in the festive fun without feeling like I'm taking it too far?"

Firstly, you are not alone in feeling like this! It's a conversation that comes up in clinic each December without fail, so here are some practical tips to help you in navigating this:

1. Start your day with a balanced breaky - most festive social plans typically fall around long lunches, post-work drinks or dinners out, all of which you may have limited input over what is being served (which is totally fine). Making sure you've set yourself up with a satiating, satisfying and energising breakfast is a great way to avoid going into these occasions feeling ravenous, as this can result in over-eating or drinking on an empty stomach (aka a one-way ticket to hangover street). On that, don't 'save your calories' for later in the day - this can lead to energy dips, mood swings and brain fog.

2. Build movement into your social plans - whether that's meeting up with your friend and treating each other to a class at that gorgeous new studio that you've been wanting to try, going for a plod and grabbing coffee with a relative, or even getting off the bus a stop or two earlier en route to an evening of festive fizz at the pub to get some steps in, something is always better than nothing. If you feel like you don't have time for movement due to your busy schedule, I'd highly recommend some Pilates in your PJs during these dark mornings, or even just some simple twisty stretches to get digestion going. 

3. Prioritise giving yourself what you need - Christmas can be a challenging period for many reasons, and the age old “you can't pour from an empty cup” still stands true. Maybe a night in watching Christmas movies and sharing a box of chocs with your family is exactly what you need, or that mince pie with your morning cuppa to get you through those last few days wrapping things up at work, or saying no to plans you don't really want to go to, or getting up 30 minutes early to pop to the gym and clear your head before a chaotic day in the kitchen, or swapping to soft drinks after your welcome cocktail to avoid the hangover - whatever that may be, listen to yourself, give yourself permission to do you, and don't feel guilty for it! 

Life is too short to beat yourself up for enjoying what can be a magical month, so embrace it!

Lottie x