Riding Away In Christmas


Christmas carols to celebratethe season healthfully.

This is the month that means brotherhood, peace, gaily wrapped gifts… and yes, rich plum cakes, mince pies, chocolates, all kinds of goodies! Not to mention mulled wines, punches and high spirits.




This season to be happy and that means meeting and eating! A small warning though: research has shown that we end up taking in 44% more calories when we are with friends and family.

Preserve peace: don’t get too stressed about all the temptation that lies ahead. Focus on ‘handling the season’, then sit back and enjoy all that this month heralds. And hum these carols while you celebrate.

CAROL ONE Sweet dreams are made of these.

Everywhere you look there is a surfeit of Christmas confections. Avoid excesses! A small slice of this, a taste of that to ‘sweeten the tooth’ is fine. Just remind yourself of the month after and don’t give in. This is one kind of bingeing you really need to check.

CAROL TWO Rudolf the red-nosed reindeer.

To avoid that 'red-nose' feeling from an overdose of spirits here are a few helpful hints:

* Before you start drinking at a party, it's a good idea to 'line' if your stomach with some food; a glass of milk is ideal.

* Avoid mixing drinks.

* If you've had a little too much, stop and start drinking lots of water to dilute it.

* Appoint one person in your gang to drive and ensure they do not drink. Or call for a taxi if you are all drinking.

CAROL THREE Smoke gets in your eyes.

Too much smoking can really ruin a good time. Contact lens wearers, smoke-sensitive people can have quite a difficult time. Try this: get the smokers to nip out into the garden, or into a smokers’ room when they want a puff. Be a clever hostess and make this into a clubby thing!

CAROL FOUR A partridge in a pear tree.

* With everyone in the family in a chilled mood, be careful of defrosted foods. Beware of the biggest 'health' trap of the party season, the undercooked bird. Defrost all fridge foods all the way and cook right through.

* Don't give in to the hostess who keeps pressing you to have 'just one more helping'. A perfectly acceptable excuse these days is to say, "My doc has advised me to stay off that!"

CAROL FIVE I’m dreaming’ of a white Christmas.

In the run-up to Christmas and New Year everyone tends to stay up late. So when you finally fall into bed, pull down the blinds switch off the phone and resolve not to wake up before 11 am. Having a solid eight hours of sound sleep is an excellent way of protecting yourself against fatigue, stress and winter colds and coughs.

CAROL SIX and I said, “Yes, you look wonderful tonight”.

A cup of peppermint tea after a meal normalizes the digestive function. B vitamins help sustain your energy levels, while good old Vitamin C will help support your immune system and ease the pain of hangovers. Drink plenty of water throughout the evening. And think about it: you’ll look gorgeous with all that hydration!

CAROL SEVEN you take my breath away.

Gentle stretching and exercise will work wonders for an over-exerted body. Get more oxygen into your lungs and tissues with a brisk outdoor walk or some deep breathing. Try a few slow lengths if you have access to a warm pool, followed by a toxin releasing sauna and cool shower to revitalize.

CAROL EIGHT Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells.

This is occupational therapy. Try creating decorations and putting them up, fancy gift-wraps and table settings, personalized cards. Keep your hands, spirit and imagination busy. This will take your mind off the eating and put you in the party mood.