How to stay well this party season

WHY AIMING FOR MODERATION CAN BENEFIT YOUR BODY AND SOUL OVER THE FESTIVE BREAK.

- BY ELLA WALKER

HITTING the booze and festive food hard is often as much a part of Christmas as awkward work dos and Rudolf. But it doesn't have to be that way. You can enjoy December without a perpetual hangover and a tin of Quality Street constantly on the go you might even have a better time.

"A lot of people down tools on December 1 from a health and well-being perspective, then it's like, 'Right, January is the time to really kick on," says Andy Carr, master trainer and head of fitness for Snap Fitness UK & Ireland. "I don't know if it's a British thing, or a human thing, but we're not particularly good at moderation."

So, in an effort to avoid a pigs-in-blanket-coma (not technically a medical condition...) and your mood dipping in line with the number of cocktails you knock back, here's how to make the most of party season, without overdoing it and burning out...

Go easy before big nights out

If you know you've got your work bash coming up, plan your week accordingly and nail the basics. "Get a bit of rest, make sure you're eating lots of nutrient-rich meals and have a balanced week, because we can all feel a bit of guilt when we go wild at social events," says Andy.

"You need to be looking after yourself and fuelling your body properly during the Christmas period to enjoy it," agrees physiologist and nutritionist at Nuffield Health, Hannah Belsham. "You don't want to be having colds and flu and feeling sluggish, bloated and tired."

Good nutrition and decent sleep can help ward those off.

Earn the fun