Staying healthy on your way back home for Christmas.

Whether you’re driving, on a plane, train or coach, it’s not easy to keep to a healthy diet with the allure of convenience fast food everywhere you go. Here are some tips to help keep you on track on the great Christmas getaway.

Stay Hydrated

All the Christmas prepping, packing and anticipation could mean that you forget the vital basics such as a bottle of water for the journey. By being prepared and having your own bottle, you can save money and time so you can have a quick break before getting back on the road.

Avoid the temptations

Let’s face it, when travelling, the service stations, train trolleys or plane food do not help the world of slimmers. And it can be very difficult to resist. Whilst it can’t be completely avoided, it can be minimised. Choosing healthier options can make big differences to your calorie intake. For example, opt for an espresso instead of a special Christmas latte and mince pie.

Bring your own snacks

You may be able to avoid the temptations of the travel/food industry, but at the same time – it’s not great to starve yourself through the journey because then you might overcompensate when you get to your destination. Pack a healthy sandwich or some carrots and humous to keep you going.

Avoid those cooked breakfasts

Whether you have stopped off at a hotel for the night, or if you’ve stopped off at a service station before you set off, opt for cereal, fruit and yoghurt (a nice hot bowel of porridge with blueberries sprinkled on top is our fave!) as opposed to a fry-up. You’ll be saving on calories and gaining on nutrients.

Get plenty of sleep (where you can)

Whether it’s the night before the drive or catching up on some shut eye on an early flight back home, sleep couldn’t be more important. Not only does regular sleep (7-8 hours per night) help keep the bugs away, it also means you won’t be a Bah Humbug come Christmas day.

Boost your immune system

It couldn’t be more important to keep the bugs at bay at this time of year – who wants to be sat on the sofa with a cold on Christmas day? Keep your vitamin and mineral supplements up to help prevent any nasty illnesses.

Keep on your toes

Being sat in the same position for hours on end, is not good for circulation or tiredness (if you’re driving) so stop for break and have a stretch to get the blood pumping again, or if you’re on a train/plane get up and have a walk around. It can be surprising at how much better it could make you feel.