So the festive period is upon us and many of you are now worrying about what dress you can fit into for your Christmas night out or how you are going to spend your time off over the holidays.

For many the Christmas holidays are for spending time with your friends and loved ones, worry free, with lots of fun and games for all.

For others it’s about guilt free over indulgence, with plenty of alcohol, partying and filling yourself with mince pies until your fit to burst.

So for those more health conscious out there who want a stress free, guilt free Christmas and still make it enjoyable for all there are lots of things to think about and do that can balance your holidays, keep you on track with your health and fitness goals and ensure you and your family still have a fun filled and relaxing holiday season.

Here are our seven top tips to staying healthy over Christmas and getting the most from your holidays.

1. Eat Breakfast – eating a good healthy breakfast during the holidays, especially on Christmas day and New Year’s Day when you’ll more than likely have a big meal ahead of you will help avoid the bad snacks throughout the day as you wait for that meal and mean you won’t indulge as much when the meal comes around. Depending on your fitness goals we always recommend a high protein breakfast incorporating lots of good healthy fats alongside. Our favourites are Eggs, spinach and smoked salmon or Bacon and eggs and avocado for the hot breakfast lovers and Greek yogurt with lots of mixed berries for those of you who prefer a cold quick on the go breakfast.

2. Keep moving – whether it’s similar to your current workout plan or simply getting outdoors with the kids or walking the dog, it’s important over the Christmas period you don’t forget all your good habits. So get to the gym (which will be nice and quiet for you) or get out and about and burn off some of those Christmas calories. Make your workouts shorter, more intense and work your butt off in a quick period of time to avoid being away from the family for too long or better still, get the kids involved. Whether at home, in the gym or at the park there lots to do that’ll keep you on the straight and narrow over the next couple of weeks. 3. Drink plenty of water – staying hydrated is key to remaining on track over the holidays. No doubt most of you will have a drink or two most days during Christmas and New Year but drinking plenty of water during the days will help your body rid itself of the alcohol and help stave off the hangovers that’ll lead to the over indulgence the day after. Try having some water in between drinks on a night out or in the house or family party and your body will thank you for it later.

4. Snack wisely – we all love a chocolate or 12 but to keep you on track over the holidays limit your intake of sugary snacks, crisps and other exciting treats opting for better quality snacks in between those large meals. Great snacks to keep you fuller for longer will always revolve around protein so Greek yogurt, cottage cheese and nuts are all good options and lots of fruit will keep you satisfied for longer.

5. Single is best – not from a relationship point of view but when it comes to your food. Creating your own meals from scratch using single ingredient foods will encourage your body to use all nutrients included to full affect and keep the waistline in check for when you return to normality. This includes desserts, make your own with lots of healthy ingredients and avoid the vast quantities of sugar usually associated with those after dinner treats. Cocoa is an amazing ingredient to use in any desert and YES cocoa is chocolate and in its purest form has amazing properties which can help keep your body healthy.

6. Choose your drink wisely – if you feel the need for that night out or family party then think before you drink. Avoid sugary fizzy mixers and instead revert to soda, fresh lime or cranberry juice or for a low carb beer option corona is your best bet although as everybody knows the best thing to drink on a night out is water.

7. Don’t let one bad meal or one treat ruin your day / week. Everybody likes a pizza or a few drinks now and again and especially during the holidays so don’t be afraid to live a little…. have fun and enjoy yourself… Moderation is always the key. Be realistic when setting your goals to avoid disappointment and have a an amazing Christmas.

If you want to get in shape and change your life after Christmas and into the new year then look out for our new 12 week new year new you challenge launching on January 5, 2015.

Have a great Christmas and a happy holiday time with your friends and family. Drew and Lorraine.

RECIPE: Red Berry Mousse 349g pack of silken tofu 300g frozen berries 2 tbsp agave nectar METHOD 1.   Mix all the ingredients together in a blender or food processor until smooth.

2.   Place in suitable dishes and serve, or can be kept up to 24hrs in a fridge before serving EXERCISE Here is a wee home workout to keep you moving at home over the Christmas holidays: Four exercises done back to back with no rest 3x through for time, try it and challenge yourself to beat your time next time round 5 burpess 10 press ups 20 mountain climbers 50 high knee sprints Good luck!