Christmas is a little under 5 weeks away and some of you may be worried that you have run out of time to lose those extra pounds.

Fear not. Simplicity and discipline are key in the run up to Christmas, but remember any weight loss goal is ACHIEVABLE providing you stay focussed on the big picture.

Here are my top 5 tips to help you approach the festive season in better shape and feel more comfortable about yourself.

Get started today!

(1) Become menu clever - The run up to Christmas always involves the annual staff party, social dinners and cocktail parties. If eating out, research the menu beforehand and commit to healthy choices. That way, you won’t panic when you get there and resort to the huge calorie overloaded binge meal.

(2) Plan food for the week - Planning for a weeks’ worth of shopping and meals will help you to remain focused and stop you from going shopping every evening. If your food for the week is in the house already, you know what you are having and it will prevent you from buying processed rubbish on a whim.

(3) Cut the sugar - It is hidden in a lot, so start to become more savvy about the food you put in your mouth and learn to read nutrition labels. Sugar is directly linked to upsetting the body’s blood sugar and insulin levels which in turn encourages fat storage.

(4) Balance your plate – When looking at your plate, ensure there is a good balance of protein, carbohydrate, fat and vegetables. Over reliance on one of the other, can lead to a dietary imbalance.

(5) Reduce alcohol intake – Alcohol contains empty calories and so any effort to scale back will do wonders. It can also increase your appetite, making the combination of alcohol and a late night takeaway craving all the more worse.

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