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How to stay fit during Christmas holidays

You promised yourself to be reasonable during the Christmas Eve dinner last year and you finally ended up finishing the Christmas pudding! While you indulge yourself with delicious food during the festive winter months, it is possible to keep control of your diet. According to the study published in The Guardian most people gain weight during this season but this can be avoid with a fitness routine and healthy eating.

Use these fitness tips and our Christmas meal plan as a guide to maintain your fitness goals and your weight while enjoying the holidays.

Fitness tips

stay fit during holidays with exercise

We know it can be hard to stay fit during the holidays but it is possible! Exercising and keeping yourself active will help you work off those extra calories. On days you are not able to workout at Curves for example, think about one exercising alternative that could fit your busy schedule. You can dance the night away at all those office parties, on Christmas day wrap up warm and go for a walk after lunch.

Here are some extra helpful tips to burn off those unwanted calories!

burn off those unwanted calories from Christmas

Eating tips to stay fit

Did you know that people can sometimes eat their way through nearly 6000 calories on Christmas day? Whether you are dining in or out you can keep control of your diet even when enjoying the traditional & delicious British and Irish roast dinner, by following these simple tips:

  • Meat – When choosing your meat, white meat such as Chicken or Turkey is the best. It is leaner which means it contains less saturated fat (unhealthy fat). About 100g of white meat would be a healthy amount (it is approximately the size of a pack of playing cards).
  • Vegetables – When it comes to vegetables load up your plate, they provide many nutrients. The greater variety you consume the better. The best vegetables are carrots, broccoli, leeks, cabbage, sprouts, and cauliflower.
  • Roast Potatoes & Parsnips – Whilst goose fat makes arguably the tastiest roast potatoes it is a saturated fat which provides your body with no nutrition and contributes to many heart problems. An unsaturated fat (not of animal origin) such as olive oil is a much healthier option, but remember, try to use as little fat as possible.
  • Yorkshire Puddings – Generally, homemade Yorkshire puddings are lower in calories than shop bought frozen ones. When making your own Yorkshire Puddings use skimmed milk to reduce calories further
  • Gravy – Whilst homemade gravy is delicious it is often made from the fat out of the meat as well as being loaded with salt- both are a waistlines worst nightmare- so try to lay off the gravy as much as possible.
  • Sauce – The general advice for sauces is use sparingly. Cranberry sauce, apple sauce, mint sauce can all be enjoyed as a free food providing you stick to about 2 teaspoons.
  • Snacks – Keep tempting treats out of sight and make sure you have healthy options to hand. 

1. Herbed Pork fillet with Roast vegetables

Herbed Pork fillet with Roast vegetables

Ingredients: (4 portions)

  • 4 medium parsnips, peeled and quartered lengthways
  • 1 butternut squash (about 650g/1lb 7oz), peeled, seeded and cut into chunks
  • 2 red onions, each cut into 8 wedges
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • grated zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tsp pork seasoning or dried mixed Italian herbs
  • 500g lean pork tenderloins, in one or two pieces
  • 1 medium Bramley apple
  • 400ml hot chicken stock

Preheat the oven to 200C/ gas 6/fan 180C. Put all the vegetables into a roasting tin. Drizzle with the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss everything together.

On a plate, mix together the lemon zest and pork seasoning or herbs. Roll the pork tenderloin in the mixture, then put it on top of the vegetables. Roast for 40 minutes.

Peel and core the apple and cut it into chunks. Scatter the pieces into the roasting tin, then pour in the hot stock and cook for a further 15-20 minutes. Slice the pork, arrange on a platter with the veg, then spoon the pan juices on top.

2. Low Fat Roasted Potatoes

low fat roasted potatoes

Ingredients: (4 portions)

  • 700g roasting potatoes, quartered
  • 1 garlic clove, sliced
  • 200ml vegetable stock (from a cube is fine)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Heat oven to 200C/fan 180C/gas 6. Put the potatoes and sliced garlic in a roasting tin. Pour over the stock, then brush the tops of the potatoes with half the olive oil. Season, then cook for 50 mins. Brush with the remaining oil and cook 10-15 mins more until the stock is absorbed and the potatoes have browned and cooked through.

Don't forget to make the best out of these delicious meals by cooking the leftovers, find out more healthy ideas on NHS.

Have a great Christmas and remember that moderation is KEY!

If you need some extra help to stay on track, contact your local Curves club to find out more about our full body workout with coaching: www.curves.eu/uk/clubs.

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