Keeping Healthy over the Festive Season

Add protein to every meal - Studies have shown that people low on protein have stronger food cravings and struggle to stay full. By focusing on a good breakfast and lunch, you're setting yourself up for the day and will feel less of a craving when you're out for dinner in the evening. 

Wash it away - Dehydration can cause some people to crave salty foods. By simply drinking more water in between meals and last night's celebration it help you feel full and divert your mind off your immediate food cravings.

Limit processed foods - We should aim to ensure 80% of the food we eat is natural, rather than processed. In doing this, we are less affected by the ingredients that are in "man-made" meals. Whilst eating processed food is not a complete no go, managing our intake is the key to remaining healthy. 

Shop smart - It is very easy at Christmas time to go overboard with the foods we buy. With so many offers in the shops, it can often feel like there is too much of a temptation to refuse the extra tub of Quality Street chocolates! Instead of buying additional stocks because you 'think you might need it', limit your trolley load and you will find yourself less inclined to over-indulge.

Second helpings - No matter what meal, or what time of year, the majority of us will eat our food too quickly. Try taking more time to finish your plate and if you feel like you may want seconds, wait just that extra 10 minutes to see if you're still feeling quite as hungry. Our food needs time to digest.