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An advent calendar consisting of health tips is key to a healthy christmas
Inimitate the kids in the run-up to Christmas and have your own Advent calendar.
But rather than discovering a chocolate each morning, you’ll find a healthy tip to follow.
It may not be as much fun, but it means you’ll reach December 25 in tip-top condition.
Keep temptation at bay while out Christmas shopping
From eggnog lattes to gingerbread cappuccinos, those festive drinks can contain rather more Christmas spirit than you bargained for.
Many clock up more calories than a Big Mac.
By all means have a hot drink, but cut out the added syrup shots, whipped cream and marshmallows.
Take a daily walk
Do this today and every day in December, advises GP Dr Ross Perry.
“Being in the fresh air for a 15-minute walk will wake you up, give a quick blast of vitamin D and boost your mood, too,” he says.
Get each day off to a good start with a probiotic
This will boost good gut bacteria and reduce the effects on the digestive system of rich festive food and alcohol.
“If you wait and take it with food, the hydrochloric acid in your stomach breaks down a very high percentage of probiotics, destroying them before they can get to work healing your gut,” warns Vicki Edgson, nutritional therapist and co-author of Gut Gastronomy.
Try BioAcidophilus probiotic (£13.96 for 28 capsules, biocare.co.uk).
Still unsure what you want for Christmas?
“Ask for a water or air flosser,” suggests Dr Hanel Nathwani, of Reading Smiles (reading-smiles.co.uk).
“Most people hate flossing, so this is an almost automated way of looking after your teeth in 2018.” (Try Philips Sonicare AirFloss Pro, £74.99 from Boots).
Update your playlist
Emma Frain, head of fitness at Protein World, says, “If you’re out running or walking on cold, dark days you need a motivational playlist, so choose music that makes you feel good, with a good bass line to perk you up quickly.”
Have yourself measured up for a bra
Amazingly, up to 85 per cent of women wear the wrong-sized bra and it is a major cause of back, neck and shoulder pain. So ask the experts in the bra department about the best shape for you – and think twice about wearing restrictive underwear when eating out.
Indulge in a salt bath Epsom salts
increase water’s specific gravity, making you feel lighter and more buoyant and helping your muscles relax.
Your body may also absorb the salts, which helps to replenish magnesium, a mineral reduced by stress.
It sounds old-fashioned but it works.
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Playing board games such as Monopoly at Christmas is a wonderful tradition
Make your snacks more handbag friendly
Dietician Lucy Jones (lucyjonesdietitian.co.uk) suggests, “Opt for compact, crumb-free, snacks like almonds so you always have a nutritious, filling snack on hand for when the cold-weather cravings kick in.”
Reach for that old favourite – Monopoly
Playing board games at Christmas is a wonderful tradition – even if it does unleash competitive streaks – and a great family bonding experience that is worth treasuring.
It will give your grey matter a boost at the same time.
Keep an eye on your elderly neighbours
More than 1.2 million older people in the UK are chronically lonely and the effect of social isolation is similar to that of anxiety or work-related stress.
In fact, loneliness is linked to an increased risk of heart attacks or strokes.
Send an elderly friend a Christmas card with a personal message, offer to do some shopping or help with the decorations, or just pop in for a cuppa and a mince pie.
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Stock up the medicine cabinet
Make sure you have essentials, such as painkillers, including children’s paracetamol, indigestion medicines, cold and flu remedies and rehydration sachets. Don’t leave it too late to request repeat prescription-only medicine from your GP.
Check your smoke alarms
Statistics reveal a 26 per cent increase in fires during December and fire authorities warn the number of people killed in blazes started by candles has trebled in two years.
Make sure all your smoke alarms are in proper working order and test them regularly.
Similarly, should something happen, be prepared and have an escape route planned.
Breathe
If you’re struggling from festive stress try to breathe in for a count of three and out for a count of four while in the queue at the supermarket or waiting at traffic lights to turn down the stress dial, says A Vogel nutritional therapist Alison Cullen (avogel.co.uk).
“This switches on the parasympathetic nervous system, bypassing whatever your mind is consciously saying about your stress, and instructing your body to chill.
It works stunningly well for such a tiny effort.”
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Eat a pear with a hangover will help to rehydrate you, a nutritionist claims
Show a clean pair of festive heels
There’s little more unsightly than dry, cracked heels in your strappy party sandals.
Use a foot file before showering or bathing to get rid of dry skin then use a non-greasy foot moisturiser containing urea to return your feet to their former glory.
Create a brand-new tradition for the family
Whether it’s buying a Christmas-tree bauble every year, settling down to watch It’s A Wonderful Life or visiting a festive market or skating rink, family traditions unite all generations, creating memories and reinforcing bonds, says agony aunt Suzie Hayman.
Toe the line
Save your high heels for the party and travel in ‘flats’. If you’re worried about your shoes rubbing, using a Compeed Anti-Blister Stick (£3.41 from Boots) can avoid painful blisters. Consider using gel cushions for extra comfort on the heels and balls of feet, too.
The morning after
Eat a pear, suggests Ella Allred, nutritionist at nutricentre.com.
“The water and mineral content of fresh fruit will help to rehydrate you,” she says.
“And pears are a particularly good choice, as they contain an enzyme that scientists are currently investigating for its ability to help us metabolise alcohol and prevent hangovers.”
Early nights
A fifth of couples say sex at Christmas is better than at any other time of the year, with more than a quarter claiming they’d prefer to get jiggy with a partner than receive presents. And all that extra sex is good news for your health.
It not only boosts your heart health, relieves stress and boosts immunity, it’s great for your self-esteem, wellbeing and helps you look younger, too.
Tune in to Elf
It’s impossible not to laugh at this classic festive film and it gets the kids away from their gadgets, which brings a double result, especially as numerous studies show that laughter boosts health and wellbeing.
Start the day with your usual breakfast
“At this time of year it’s tempting to indulge in fry-ups and pastries, or skip breakfast to try and compensate for indulgences,” says Tilly Spurr, nutritionist at futurefit.co.uk.
“Both are a disaster. A good, low-GI breakfast will give a boost of slow-release energy, setting you up for the day and lessening the urge to eat more.”
Give a little on every trip to the shops
Donating to a local foodbank is just one little way to make a difference and boost your own wellbeing.
“Charitable giving boosts happiness and reduces stress,” says Professor Lara Aknin of Simon Fraser University in Canada.
So think how you can give this Christmas, whether it’s by donating a toy to a children’s charity or by volunteering to help with a local charity.
Entertaining in your own home
Pour drinks into small glasses. Remember home measures are inevitably much bigger than in a pub or restaurant, so using smaller glasses or an alcohol measure will make sure you don’t drink more than you intend to.
Hold any drinks in your dominant hand
“Research has shown that doing this at parties and events makes you less likely to pick at snacks,” says Tilly Spurr.
“Likewise, if you’re invited to a friend’s house, don’t bring edible gifts. If you arrive with cake or chocolates it’s very difficult to say no thank you to eating them.”
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Researchers believe those who carol sing stood out as experiencing the greatest benefit
Carol singing
Researchers from Oxford Brookes University carried out an online survey of people who sang in choirs, sang alone or played team sports, and choristers stood out as experiencing the greatest benefit.
The big day: Enjoy your Christmas lunch
The traditional spread of turkey, carrots and Brussels sprouts is packed with nutrients.
The combined vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and flavonoids in your feast have been linked to boosting the immune system and protecting against heart disease and cancer.
Just go for a walk afterwards to aid digestion.