5 festive tips for avoiding overindulgence (without feeling like you're missing out) these holidays!

Alcohol and obesity are strongly linked to an increased risk of breast cancer.  So that can make the Christmas holidays - with all those pavlovas, work drinks and scorched almonds on offer - a little bit challenging! 

No one wants to be miserable, hiding at home away from temptation, so here are some useful tips to get you through the holidays:

1. Remember the 90/10 rule
   Focus on eating healthy most of the time, and you can enjoy small indulgences. 
   
   Depriving yourself doesn’t work, and you’re more likely to eventually crack under the pressure and binge on a box of Roses before you know it! 
   
   So keep those veg, fruit and whole grains cranking most of the time and you can enjoy the occasional celebratory splurge - guilt free!
   
   
2. Enjoy it like you’re Jesus
   I’m talking about the last supper here (which I know is technically Easter, but it works well then too!). 
   
   Imagine this was the last time you were going to sip champers, nibble on a BBQ shape, or eat trifle. 
   
   Enjoy it like it might be your last…..smell it, savour it, sip it, fully enjoy all those sensations and flavours. 
   
   Consume it slowly and you’ll enjoy it more, plus feel much more satisfied and be less likely to overeat (works well with tip 5).
   
   
3. Keep H20 on the go
   Especially in the warmer weather it’s easy to get dehydrated, so keep a bottle or glass of water to hand and keep sipping away. 
   
   Thirst can often express itself as hunger, sugar cravings or knocking back 3 glasses of Sauv Blanc in 20 mins. 
   
   So, before you go anywhere drink a big glass of water.
   
   
4. Be the classy chick in the bar
   It is possible to nurse one glass of wine for most of the evening.  If you’re at a bar make sure it’s the most expensive glass available, and then you won’t feel like you’re skimping.
   
   As the night goes on and everyone starts slurring and their make-up starts slipping off their face, you’ll remain classy and fresh.  Warning – this tactic can result in you being cracked onto by every guy in the room in the wee hours.  
   
   Also consider the occasional mocktail, which if made by the right hands can taste fantastic.
   
   
5. Get the best - you deserve it
   To be used in conjunction with tip 2 - if you’re reducing quantity then turn the dial all the way up on quality. 
   
   If you’re going to eat chocolate – buy the best and most expensive you can find.  If you’re going for a cake, then find a French bakery where it’s made fresh that day and they put it in a box with a bow!  Eat it on a beautiful plate, whilst having a foot rub if possible. 
   NB: Don’t confuse this tip with your Christmas shopping!

Whatever you end up doing, have a wonderful Christmas!
See you in 2018!
Jan xxx