Christmas is here - and to help you get through the partying, the festivities and the family get-togethers, the Heart Foundation shares this guide for getting through the next week healthily and happily.
A partridge in a pear tree
- Don’t worry too much about finding partridges but focus on eating pears and other delicious seasonal fruits you can find at Christmas time.
Two turtle doves
- Doves are a symbol of peace. Christmas can be a time of anxiety and heightened family tension. So remember to keep the stress levels, and your blood pressure, down.
Three french hens
- If poultry is on the menu, try to have it without the skin which will dramatically reduce the saturated fat and salt content. Turkey is another great option as it is a lean meat packed full of nutrition.
Four calling birds
- Stick to calling friends and staying connected over Christmas but try to avoid the shout. Getting in a shout of drinks might feel like a good idea at the time but can easily lead to a whole lot of damage to your health and your wallet.
Five golden rings
- To avoid getting dark rings under your eyes make sure you get a good night’s sleep.
Six geese are laying
- Why not include eggs in your festive menu? They are packed with goodness and add nutritional value to salads, quiches, festive breakfasts and healthy desserts.
Seven swans are swimming
- Summer is the time to get into water based exercise such as swimming, aqua aerobics or water running. So if you want to have the grace of a swan rather than the moves of a walrus, try to fit in thirty minutes of water activity a day.
Eight maids are milking
- Dairy products like cheese and ice-cream are popular this time of year – just keep the portions small and take the low fat option so you'll get all the protein and calcium but without the kilojoules.
Nine ladies dancing
- It’s time to get off the couch, switch off the TV and computer and get active with family and friends. Have some fun and dance together, play a game of beach volleyball or a family game of backyard cricket. Make sure to put active presents on your shopping list too!
Ten lords are leaping
- Leap off your chair and try to spend at least 10 minutes of every hour replacing sitting with moving or standing. If you are doing a drive trip these holidays remember to take regular breaks and have a walk – it’ll keep you alert and is good for your heart.
Eleven pipers piping
- Musical pipes aren't so bad, but the smoke from tobacco pipes and cigarettes is enough to make Santa run in the opposite direction. Be aware of the dangers of passive smoke and do your best to avoid it while out celebrating.
Twelve drummer's drumming
- If you wake up after your office Christmas party with the sound of twelve drummers drumming in your head, drink plenty of water, and make yourself a healthy breakfast.
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