Staying in control of your choices.

We're now fully in the throws of the Christmas build up! I really enjoy the couple of weeks lead up to Christmas, then once Christmas Day arrives I'm over it! This year I feel like I'm enjoying the build up more as I'm not over-indulging in Christmas booze.

I stopped drinking as part of the 75 Hard. When I finished the challenge at the beginning of November I just didn't bother starting again. The Friday night glass of red to 'end the week' has gone - as has the Sunday tea-time glass to 'end the weekend'! I think it's a combination of age (I'll have a thick head the next morning after just one or two glasses), and a confidence that in social situations I don't 'need' a drink to relax or have a good time. I think I'd also rather eat my calories than drink them! I haven't said I'll never drink again, it just won't be a part of every weekend.

In the run up to Christmas I'm actually looking forward to social events more as I know I won't be getting anxious about the hangover the following day. I also know it'll leave more room for food indulgences and I won't feel like I'm starting the New Year with a bit of extra Christmas padding!

There will be the odd time that I might join in a toast at a family gathering or with an annual meet up with friends. But this will be a conscious choice not a mindless one. A choice that I'm fully in control of.

This is by no means a preach email. I want people to be fully in control of their choices and confident that the choices that they're making are right for them. But the same kind of approach can be applied to food choices throughout the festive season. Many of you might throw your hands in the air and say "f**k it! Let's just get through the season and worry about it in January". You've resigned yourself that once the festive season is over, you'll feel guilty for all the over-indulgence and pissed off that you've gained an extra few pounds as a result. It's the same every year.

But what if you stay in control? You get to decide when you'll indulge in the high calorie foods, and when you won't. It's not about missing out. You can still indulge, but you don't have to over-indulge (if you don't want to!). There is a way!

Ask yourself what's more important to you on each occasion - the food or the people? It might be that your Granny has made her annual Christmas cake that she would love you to share. It's a family ritual that means something to you - so you choose to have the cake. Another occasion might be a gathering with friends where there are bowls of nuts, crisps, chocolates everywhere in sight. This is where the more mindless snacking might come into play. Ask yourself the question - have you come for the snacks or to socialise with your friends? If it's the snacks and you're totally okay with the extra few hundred calories - then great, crack on ;-)! But, if you know that your future self will be pissed off for over-indulging, this could be the occasion that you pass on the snacks and save a few calories for when the food and occasion has more meaning. Top tip: If you know food will be at an event and you don't want to over-indulge, eat before you go as you'll be less likely to get tempted.

This approach takes a bit of planning but nothing too strict. You get to feel empowered and stay in control of your choices. The same process can be applied throughout the year at the weekend or if you have multiple events in one short space of time.

I hope this helps you to enjoy Christmas in a way that your future self will thank you for!

A question for you:

1. Do you have any New Years Resolutions, or do you think they're a waste of time?!