What’s your favourite Christmas movie?

I personally am torn between the hilarious “Elf”, and the simply magical “Santa Claus the Movie”.

For me, those two are head and shoulders above the rest (unless you count Home Alone as a Christmas movie too which is, obviously, up there with the best of them).

I absolutely love everything about Christmas, but I know that for many people with health problems it’s a time of year when they find their health often worsens.

It can be a stressful time.

And a time of eating ‘less good’ food and drink.

Drinking alcohol is a big one this time of year so rather than just telling you not to do it I thought I’d share some tips on damage limitation should you decide to have the occasional tipple.

Firstly the prep needs to start well before drinking any alcohol.

In particular, you are going to need to ensure you are very well hydrated, and very well fed.

You want to provide your body with as many nutrients as possible before, during and after the drinking.

To stay well hydrated you should drink plenty of water and maybe even some coconut water (this applies before, during and after the night out/in)

The coconut water not only tastes really good but provides your body with valuable electrolytes that are really important for maintaining hydration.

An even easier way to get these is to add a small pinch of good quality salt to your water occasionally.

Also, the meals you eat beforehand, are very important…

You should make them as nutrient dense as possible (plenty of fruit and veg, assuming you tolerate those ok, and good unprocessed foods).

As well as the water and food, certain supplements would be worth considering for health purposes such as Advanced Vitality and Advanced Multi.

These have many benefits but include the fact they contain nutrients that can help to support the immune system.  This means they may protect against all the germs / colds that are so common at Christmas time, as well as reducing the fatigue and tiredness caused by all the celebrating. 

You should also plan your meals for the following day, as when you are feeling a bit rough it can be all too tempting to eat a load of rubbish and end up calling for a Chinese takeaway (which would likely do you much more harm than the alcohol itself).

Therefore, plan meals that you know you are going to want to eat if you are feeling a little delicate, but that will still be ok for you.

Things like eggs and bacon for breakfast, protein smoothies (make a delicious one using our chocolate banana vegan protein powder), a juicy ribeye steak or maybe a Thai Beef curry for dinner are on my list

<<< all very quick and simple to make and all very nutritious (and tasty!), and just as good and a LOT healthier than the Chinese takeaway and coke that most people will have.

Even a Turkish takeaway can often be a good option if you choose the right things.

As for what to drink, things such as red wine (which contains antioxidants and has been shown to be beneficial in small doses), and/or perhaps a clear spirit such as vodka mixed with soda and lime can be best (though everyone does respond differently to different types of alcohol).

You are definitely best to minimise the amount of beer that you drink, as well as any colourful alcopop type things which are filled with all sorts of rubbish.

And most of all, whatever you do, have a fantastic time!