'Simple and cheap' hack to stay fit and 'feel healthier' after Christmas - top 5 tips

'Simple and cheap' hack to stay fit and 'feel healthier' after Christmas - top 5 tips
Diana Moran takes the GB News panel through her morning exercise routine
Sarra Gray

By Sarra Gray


Published: 26/12/2023

- 15:52

Updated: 03/01/2024

- 11:39

Experts have shared the best ways to stay fit over the festive period

The days between Christmas and New Year can easily merge into one and any sense of routine is quick to go out the window.

Your health and fitness don't need to suffer, however, and expert shared tips for staying on track.


There is no need to wait until January to focus on health and fitness.

Simple food swaps and staying active can make all the difference to your health now.

Woman stretching

Britons can stay fit with gentle exercise this winter

GETTY

Experts at nutrition brand Bulk.com shared five ways to stay on track.

Walk everywhere

They said: "Walking is arguably the simplest and cheapest exercise available to us all. It’s almost entirely free since all you need is a pair of trainers or shoes that you’re comfortable in.

"Swapping out short drives to the shops or your daily commute is a great way to sneak exercise into your day without really noticing.

"Walking has many benefits to your health: it builds stamina, burns excess calories, and is great for a healthy heart. Experts say that a brisk walking pace is best for your fitness – making this a simple and effective way to feel healthier."

Drink less alcohol

They explained: "After Christmas, it can be difficult to reduce the amount of alcohol we consume, but it’s crucially important if you want to improve your health.

"An effective strategy for cutting back on alcohol intake is substituting alcoholic drinks with alcohol-free alternatives.

"These are not only delicious but also contribute to better overall health, helping to reduce the negative side effects your body feels from alcohol consumption."

Eat your vegetables

The experts continued: "Processed foods are dangerous, as it can become easy to consume hundreds of calories in small meals. Vegetables are generally much bulkier and less calorie-dense than other foods, they’re also full of essential fibre, vitamins, and minerals.

"Filling up your plate with plenty of vegetables can be an easy way to control your calorie intake without feeling like you’re eating less. It can be hard to improve your diet without feeling hungry, but by bulking up your plate with veg, you’ll still feel like your stomach is full.

"Sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots, and Brussels sprouts are among the most filling and lowest-calorie vegetables, consider filling up your plate with these."

Vegetables

Filling up on vegetables will make it easier to stay on track

PA

Avoid secret sugars

"Sucrose, fructose, and dextrose are all scientific names for different types of sugar, easily missed by the undiscerning consumer," experts said.

"You might also see high-fructose corn syrup, barley malt, and molasses hidden in the ingredients list, which are all just sugars in a different form.

"What’s more, natural sugars are presented as being much less unhealthy, but they’re all still just as calorie-dense and potentially harmful. Watch out for products filled with fruit juices and honey which claim to be a healthy option but can have just as many calories in."

Start slowly

They added: "The hardest part of exercising regularly is often not getting started but having the strength to maintain a regular routine. This is often due to aches and pains, which can be much worse after taking a Christmas break.

"To avoid overworking yourself at the beginning heart rate-based workouts can be a great way to ensure that you’re only pushing yourself as hard as you’re ready for. Start your exercise plan with a frank and honest assessment of your fitness to avoid injuring yourself.

"At-home exercise videos are an excellent way to get into fitness in a comfortable and convenient way. There are also many great apps and online services to help guide your fitness journey.

"Finally, don’t forget to stretch. Stretching is essential to avoid injury and to reduce the amount of aching you’ll feel in the days after exercise, consider following a stretching tutorial online after every exercise session."

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