Healthy eating tips this Christmas

Christmas is often seen as a time for over-indulgence - but what if you could make simple changes that make your lifestyle healthier over the festive period?\n\nIt can be tempting to let good habits slip over the coming weeks, although being aware what you are eating - or not eating - can keep you on the right track.\n\nBe aware of portion sizes\n\nWhether you are serving dinner at home or are out dining with friends, keep an eye on your portion sizes this Christmas. By all means pile your plate high with fruit and veggies, but avoid adding those extra roast potatoes or an extra dollop of ice cream.\n\nThink how many more calories that extra addition to your plate will mean and stop yourself before it's too late!\n\nStop when you feel satisfied\n\nFor many people, Christmas is a time for eating to excess, but this will start to take its toll on your health. Finish eating as soon as you feel you've had your fill - and this doesn't mean being as full as possible!\n\nReduce alcohol consumption\n\nIt's not just food that provides a temptation over the coming weeks, alcohol can often be more free-flowing than it is at other times of the year.\n\nAlcohol can lead to dehydration, so make sure you alternate with soft drinks or water to avoid feeling unwell. Alcoholic drinks can also be high in sugar, so choose wisely.\n\nAvoid temptation\n\nHaving all sorts of sweet treats around the house is customary for many people when it gets near Christmas. The next time you go to the store, avoid the chocolate and other confectionary entirely - if you don't buy it, you won't eat it!\n\nIf you are having visitors, substitute fatty snacks with healthier alternatives such as vegetable sticks with hummus or homemade dips.\n\nWatching your weight? Use a natural sugar replacement! Naturally Sweet Stevia and Naturally Sweet Xylitol are both high in flavour yet low in calories, making them a great healthy choice.\n\n