If you’re entering the new year having eaten your entire body weight in chocolate, you’re not alone. 

We’re all guilty of over-indulging during Christmas. It’s hard not to when so many parties and celebrations are squeezed into such a short period of time. And of course, it’s not a celebration without loads of booze and overly generous servings of dessert. Not to mention the fact that your fridge practically stocks itself with leftovers. 

Then there’s the gym… The place you once called your second home is now nothing more than a distant memory. But it doesn’t have to stay that way…

January is a clean slate and your chance to pave your way to success. So, here are some top tips for the post-Christmas period to get you back on track with your training and nutrition and help you achieve your goals. 

1. DON’T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF

First things first, there’s no point in beating yourself up. You can’t take back what’s already done - and truthfully, you wouldn’t want to because it was amazing! Instead, focus on the fun you had and channel your effort into getting back on track with your goals.

Besides, you’re allowed to enjoy yourself over Christmas. You’ve earned it!

2. CUT BACK ON INDULGENCE

Christmas is nothing without its sweet treats, succulent banquet-style dinners and bottles of bubbly. But if you’re serious about getting back on track, reducing your intake of fatty foods will put you in good stead. Because the more you continue to indulge, the harder it becomes to get back into your usual routine. 

It’s also common to receive lots of food-related presents which you wouldn’t usually buy (not that we’re complaining, of course). Try to avoid temptation by keeping them sealed or put them somewhere where you won’t see them every time you walk by the kitchen or swing open the fridge door for a snack. Yes that goes for the Christmas cookies you’re using as ‘decorations’ on the countertop too…

3. PLAN YOUR MEALS

When you know what you’re going to be eating for the week, you’re much more likely to stick to your goals and take back control of your diet. Meal prepping takes decision making out of the equation while making it easier to manage portion sizes.

Opt for high-fibre veggies, such as carrots and broccoli, to fill you up and lean protein to keep you satisfied. Those turkey leftovers can finally be put to good use, after all…

For healthy meal prep inspo, check out our Breakfast To Dinner Recipes With Silvia Perez.

4. STAY HYDRATED

Undoubtedly, many of you will have enjoyed a drink or two this Christmas - and that’s being conservative. So right now, your body could probably do with some good ol’ H2O.

When you’re out of routine, it’s easy to forget to drink enough water, and when the weather is freezing (or boiling hot), our body relies on water more than it usually would.

Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to get back on track and support your return to good health. It’s recommended that the average woman should drink about 2.7 litres of fluid every day. 

5. EASE BACK INTO TRAINING

If you’ve taken a break from your training due to the festive period, here’s a few things you need to bear in mind before getting back into it.

First of all, go easy on yourself. As tempting as it is to go all out, doing too much too soon will only overwhelm you and increase your risk of injury. Start with low-intensity workouts, such as walking, mobility or yoga, as this will allow your body to get used to moving again.

On top of that, it’s important to manage your expectations. If you’ve not trained in a while, you might see a dip in your performance, but don’t let this dishearten you. Use it as motivation to keep showing up and get back to maximum performance again.

If this is the start of your fitness journey, try to find a workout you enjoy, as it’s so much easier to stay consistent when you’re doing something you love. And remember, there’s plenty more ways to keep fit than going to the gym - discover how here.

However you choose to get moving again, doing something is always better than nothing, as anything that can add movement to your day will positively impact your health, and your goals.

READ MORE: New Year, New Goals: Move Your Body

6. REMEMBER YOUR REASON WHY

Finding the motivation to get back on track after Christmas is hard, no doubt about it. However, honing in on your reason why will help to redirect your focus on the end goal. 

Whether you want to feel more energised, boost your mood or tone up, ask yourself ‘is this meal, activity or lifestyle leading me towards or away from that goal?’

You have the skill to do it, now it’s about applying the will.  

Rather than putting lots of pressure on yourself to go from 0 to 100 in a day, build back up to your usual fitness routine step by step. Soon enough you’ll find things slotting back into place.

Remember, your approach and mindset to your ‘post-Christmas detox’ is as important as the foods you decide to eat and the exercise you choose to do. 

One day or day one? You decide!