Did you know that the average Australian puts on 1.77kg over the month of December. Here are my top 5 tips to surviving the Christmas party season.

1/ Plan Ahead

Get your diary out and put in every Christmas party, cocktail drinks, BBQ etc over the next 4-6 weeks. Aim to eat lighter and fill up on salads etc in the days leading up to and the following days to balance out your calorie intake for the week.

2/ Don’t go out hungry

If you are going to a cocktail party where a meal is not being served make sure you eat a healthy filling meal before you go so that you wont be tempted to overindulge in high fat and calorie laden nibbles.

3/ Hydrate

To avoid drinking too many liquid calories at a party, drink 500ml to 1l of water before you go out. This will help reduce your alcohol intake and hopefully reduce any hangovers the next day. Vodka and soda with fresh lime in a tall glass is a hydrating, lower calorie drink option.

4/ Ramp up your exercise

Increase the intensity of your workouts over December to increase the calories you burn for the month. This will help to counteract too many indulgent night outs. Remember though weight gain is 90% what you put in your mouth.

5/ Have Fun

Remember the 80-20 rule. These tips are great if you have a heavy social calendar over the next 6 weeks. If you don’t, Follow the 80-20 rule and forget about your healthy eating for one night per week and have fun.