Christmas Fitness

Eating out, drinking and overindulging are usually on the the agenda for most of us over Christmas. It's the time when we wind down after a busy year to recoupe our energy for a fresh start in January. And most of us give barely a thought to impoving our general fitness. But don't  throw it all by the wayside and lose what you've worked so hard to achieve. The key focus over Christmas should be....Maintenance.

Here's YOUTOPIA's guide to a maintaining a healthy balance this Christmas

Portion Distortion

For Youtopians focussed on weight loss, this is an important point. With office parties, family gatherings, nights out and nights in ... it's hard to avoid the odd (or frequent) 3 course dinner over Christmas. Take some time to consider the benefits of choosing just the one or two courses. Or, if it simply HAS to be the full 3, take extra special care of your portion size

An extremely effective way of reducing your portion size is to use a smaller plate ... simple but it works!!

• Choose light entrees like vegetable soups or salads.
• Go with your traditional turkey or seafood for main courses - these are packed with protein and low in fat!!
• Desserts?? If you absolutely have to, choose a fresh fruit based dessert (the more colourful - the more nutrients).

Alcohol

Tis the season to be jolly and it wouldn't be the holidays without a tipple right? But be wary that alcohol is very high in calories and sugar, which  increases your appetite. So it's always best to drink alcohol as an accompaniment your meals.

• Try to limit your wine and beer intake as these are the most calorific. Better options would be spirits and sugar free mixers.
• A classic vodka, fresh lime and soda is a perfect refreshing accompaniment to any Aussie summer Christmas party

Rest and Relax

Take some time for R&R and don't be too hard on yourself for doing so. Rest is one of the best things you can do to recharge your batteries ready for a positive start to 2012. 'But what about exercising' I hear you shout!! Well, it's surprising how much incidental exercise you'll will do over the next few weeks. Running around, christmas shopping, stocking up our groceries, dancing the night away at Christmas parties, heading out to the beach to enjoy the sun and the surf.

There is plenty going on to keep us busy. So sit back, relax and enjoy the festivities!

Healthy Leftovers

Try this great recipe to make good use of your Christmas leftovers. Seasonal, Vitamin C rich asparagus and protein packed turkey makes a perfectly healthy lunch idea.

Ingredients

2 wholemeal tortilla wraps

4 slices turkey

4 thin slices jarlsberg cheese
2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed, blanched
and ½ cup (125ml) light cream
and ½ cup (50g) grated cheddar

Prepare

Preheat oven grill on medium. Place tortillas on a flat surface and top each with turkey, Jarlsberg cheese and asparagus.Roll to enclose. Place in a heatproof serving dish, pour over cream and sprinkle with grated cheddar.