Tips for the party season

Christmas is so close now! I’m sure many of you are already in the full swing of parties and gatherings, but I thought I would still post a few little tips to keep you going over the party season.

Keep eating your 5-a-day

Aim to continue eating 5 portions of fruit and veg a day. Maybe try having a couple of portions with breakfast (e.g.: a banana and berries on your cereal) and aim to have some veggies with most lunches or dinners.

Snacks

Unsalted nuts, plain popcorn sprinkled with cinnamon, and fresh veggies with dips are good ideas for party nibbles.
Satsumas are a fantastic source of vitamin C (as are other citrus fruit), and are in season this time of year so are really sweet and juicy! Keep a bowl of them in the kitchen – and don’t forget one for the bottom of your stocking!
Dried fruit such as dates and apricots contain fibre which helps your digestive system, and count as a portion of fruit.

Remember the drinks

Maybe alternate your drinks on a night out for one alcoholic drink then one soft drink or water. If you are drinking soft drinks, try drinking lower sugar varieties, or try sparkling water infused with fruit. Don’t forget to ask for a jug of water for the table if you are eating out – it will stop you drinking alcohol when you’re thirsty.

Get enough sleep

This time of year, can feel particularly busy with work parties, drinks with friends and family dinners. Try to keep to a fairly regular sleep pattern if possible as lack of sleep can affect your mood and concentration. If you know you will be having a late one, maybe try to have a 30-minute nap during the day at some point. This has shown to be the optimal length of nap time to increase concentration and productivity ⁽¹⁾.

Keep active

Maybe take to the dance floor at the office party, find your local ice rink or going for a bracing winter walk. Keeping active over the Christmas period will help your health and general wellbeing.

Have fun!

Most importantly, enjoy yourself!

You might also want to have a look at the ideas on these websites;

https://www.bda.uk.com/foodfacts/christmas.pdf

http://www.kindredbloguk.com/?p=246

P.S. I’m so lucky to be able to go ice skating every Christmas at Somerset House as a King’s College student. The cheesy grins are from this year’s trip!

Sources