Tag: calories count

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday Tip: Twixmas

Dr Nancy P

Tuesday Tip: Twixmas 🎄

In the days between Christmas and New Year it can be so easy to just slip in to a pattern of mindlessly eating too much and skipping those workouts. It’s the Christmas and boxing day extended hangover… And it’s nearly New Year where you’ll do it all again so why bother being healthy In-between right?… Wrong!

Well aside from the fact that it will make you feel better and less sluggish,it’s a whole 3 or 4 days where you can limit the amount of damage from the festive period! Plus it will make it so much easier to get back to normal eating again in the New Year. So get back on that wagon even if only for a day or two, eat well but mindfully, do your usual workouts or get some activity in somehow and regain a bit of normality if you can! Your body and mind will thank you!

If you still have a house full of food then freeze the leftovers (they’ll be fine!), hide the chocolate and booze and stock the fridge with lots of green stuff to help the process! All that chocolate and wine will still be there for New Year and beyond and you can indulge then if you want! 😀

Good luck and Happy Twixmas!😁 xx

Nutrition and Calorie Tips

Balanced Christmas brekkie….

Dr Nancy P

Balanced Christmas brekkie…. 🎄

Short and sweet (literally) today as it’s nearly Christmas! And I thought it might be good to offer a little reminder that it doesn’t always have to be about the nutritional value of the food you’re eating. Food serves a purpose beyond pure fuel – it’s also an emotional activity. We enjoy eating and we enjoy food, and we enjoy the associations we make with food.

So you could wake up on Christmas morning and have a nutritious breakfast of poached eggs and avocado on toast, and a small cappuccino. It will undoubtedly taste delicious and set you up for your day. Or, because it’s Christmas, you could decide you’d rather enjoy the perfectly acceptable breakfast of 5 celebrations, 6 Terry’s chocolate orange segments and 6 gold

coins! It’s only a day, and unless you’re eating chocolate for breakfast everyday you’ll be fine. And as you can see from the comparison – if calories are what’s important to you – there’s not much in it anyway! lol!

Enjoy! Merry Christmas 🎄xx

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday tip: Merry Christmas!

Dr Nancy P

Tuesday tip: Merry Christmas! 🎄

It’s Christmas Eve Eve! So my only tip today – is to enjoy your Christmas! However you are spending the day – have a lie in, spend time with friends, family, (or animals) that you love, maybe take a gentle walk, enjoy yummy food, watch Christmas tv etc.

If you’re working then take some time out when you can to do something that you enjoy. Don’t stress about what you’ve eaten, or how little exercise you’ve done, just enjoy the tastes and yummy food, a day or two won’t kill you! Get back to your normal eating and training pattern afterwards and you’ll be back on track in no time.

Hope you have a lovely Christmas 🎅🏼🎄xx

Nutrition and Calorie Tips

Just a few festive nibbles…’

Dr Nancy P

Just a few festive nibbles…’ 🎄

At this time of year there tend to be treats out all over the place – boxes of open chocolates at the office, at home, in shops, mini mince pies out in the tea room, crisps at home etc. It’s certainly a time when we should relax a little enjoy some of these foods we like but so often it becomes mindless snacking just for the sake of it. You grab a lindor ball as you walk through to the kitchen, where you idly shove a few crisps in your mouth, before popping a celebration in as you head back to the living room.. Sound familiar? You probably won’t even remember you’ve had them! And you almost certainly won’t attribute excess calories to these little nibbles here and there.

But as you can see – it’s quite easy to consume more than a substantial meal’s worth of calories in ‘just a few nibbles’ . The meal pictured is a Zizzi dish of Ravioli Di Capra – not a specifically low calorie meal. It comes in at 611 cals. The nibbles – 5 celebrations chocolates (337 cals), 2 lindor balls (146 cals), mini mince pie (114 cals) and some crisps (30g Kettle chips) – are a hefty 751 cals – and you’d probably still go and have dinner as well….

So whilst I definitely wouldn’t suggest you avoid all the festive snacks, it might be worth just being a little bit mindful of them. If you want them – have them and actually enjoy eating them, rather than just popping them in your mouth without a thought. Be aware of the calories so you’re making an educated choice!

Merry Christmas 🎄

Xx

Tuesday Tip

Tuesday Tip: Happy, Healthy Christmas

Dr Nancy P

Tuesday Tip: Happy, Healthy Christmas 🎄

The festive season often feels like a minefield for anyone trying to stay healthy. With indulgent meals, endless treats, and busy social schedules, it’s easy to feel like Christmas is something you need to “survive.” But the truth is: Christmas is a time to celebrate, not endure. You can embrace the season joyfully without guilt or obsessing over calories.

Here’s how to enjoy the festivities with balance:

#1 Plan, Don’t Panic

If you have a big event coming up, adjust your intake beforehand. Avoid starving yourself, but saving 100-200 calories a day for a few days before or after can help you buffer the impact. For example, if you plan to overeat 800-1000 calories at a party, reducing your intake slightly from Monday to Thursday can make a difference without feeling deprived.

#2 Sip Smartly

Alcohol can be a hidden contributor to weight gain, especially during long social gatherings. You don’t need low-calorie drinks if you don’t like them—just set a limit, like 4-5 drinks, and stick to it. Begin with a large glass of water, and alternate drinks with water to stay hydrated and avoid overindulgence.

#3 Stay Active, Your Way

We all indulge on Christmas Day, an average of 4000-5000 calories! But instead of stressing about “burning it off,” enjoy movement that feels good. A morning run, family walk, or evening stroll to enjoy the lights will boost your mood and help you feel refreshed.

#4 Let Go of the Guilt

Remember, Christmas isn’t something to “survive.” It’s a time to enjoy. A few indulgent days won’t ruin your progress if they’re not your normal routine. Once the holidays are over, just return to your regular habits, and you’ll be back on track in no time.

So, skip the “damage control” mindset and savor the holiday treats. Christmas is about celebrating, enjoying, and focusing on the moments that matter.

Happy Holidays! 🎄

Xx