How to party but still be healthy
by team nuut
now December is tough when mince pies are in abundance, your social calendar is packed with alcohol-fuelled Christmas parties and the finale promises to be a feast laden with meat, stuffing, potatoes and decadent puddings. However, when it comes to alcohol there are a few simple measures you can take to help you survive the festivities and feel much better afterwards too.
"i rarely go to holiday parties on an empty stomach to avoid over-indulgence. prior to the party, make sure you get in a good workout, both mental (yoga/meditation) and physical (cardio/weights). a post-workout smoothie not only replenishes protein, fat and carbs but satisfies the body nutritionally making overindulgence less likely. filling up on healthy, whole foods and drinking plenty or water are always important as well on party days."
Canapés are not a meal. Sure, party food is a convenient substitute for a meal but canapés, dips, cheeses and all the catering you usually find at festive functions just don’t cut it as healthy options. Get some wholesome, nutritious food into you before you head out. It’ll help you avoid temptation, make sure your body is properly fuelled and keep your energy levels higher.
Don't carb load. Healthy fat and protein are digested more slowly, so stick to them and they'll prevent alcohol from being absorbed too quickly into your bloodstream and basically stop you from getting drunk quite so quickly.
"I try to drink tons of water, no more than one drink per party, and focus on protein!"
Nibble on some healthy fat and protein, which will stabilise your blood sugar levels and prevent alcohol from being absorbed too quickly into your bloodstream. Why not try a few slices of chicken breast, some olives, a small plate of veggies with hummus, or a handful of almonds, all washed down with a large glass of water and freshly squeezed lemon?
PLAN YOUR WORK-OUTS
Just because it’s the festive season, it does not give you an excuse to stop working out. The festive period can be a busy time in the year, however it is important to burn those calories that you consume if you don’t want your weighing scales to hit the roof. You should stick to your fitness routine and workout whenever possible. In case you don’t get the time to work out you can go on walks, park your car some distance away from the store or just use the stairs!
you can start with some simple exercises such as jumping jacks, spot jogging, twisting, neck rotations, toe touch etc. you can also do some bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges and leg kicks which are excellent for shaping, toning and strengthening of the body. include exercises such as planks, crunches, reverse crunches, lying down cycling etc to get those toned abs. also always remember to perform strength training in order to maintain that muscle mass you worked hard to get.
Designate alcohol-free days
Summer practically demands long afternoon frosty beer and cider sessions, champagne garden parties and all the extravagant cocktails you can possibly dream of. But excess alcohol, would you believe, isn’t particularly conducive to being the picture of health – and while we’d never suggest sacrificing those beautiful balmy evenings spent under a cider-induced haze, exercising moderation is an easy way to have your body thank you.