Get the most out of December with our health-boosting Advent calendar
1SET A DAILY CHALLENGE
Keep muscles moving – 10 squats while brushing your teeth, 25 sit-ups in front of the TV, or 15 star jumps while you wait for your tea to brew can make a big difference.
2WORKOUT BY SHOPPING
‘Briskly walking around the shops can burn 300 calories an hour, while carrying shopping bags will tone arms and improve grip strength,’ says personal trainer Nicole Prasad*.
3STICK TO SLEEP ROUTINES
Lost hours of sleep over the festive period may leave us tired, irritable and at risk of colds. Keep to your normal bedtime routines so your body clock isn’t messed up too much.
4HAVE A SPOONFUL OF HONEY
A teaspoon a day of high-quality honey can help prevent cancerous cells, manage diabetes, improve heart health and treat colds.
5START WALKING AFTER MEALS
‘Taking a short, light walk after eating not only burns calories, but can reduce blood sugar and insulin levels, which helps lower the likelihood of diabetes,’ says Dr Deborah Lee at Dr Fox.
6BATCH COOK
When socialising, there’s more temptation to reach for stodgy leftovers. Batch cook healthy meals, such as chilli, spaghetti bolognese or veggie soups, so you can easily grab them from the freezer.
7FIGHT FESTIVE ALLERGIES
Christmas trees can trigger hay-fever type symptoms in some people, so keep antihistamines on hand for any guests who may feel the need for them.
8MAKE GINGER SHOTS
Immune-boosting ‘hot shots’ are simpler than you think to make. Blend 100g fresh ginger, 3 lemons, 100ml water and 1tsp turmeric powder. Keep the mixture in the fridge and drink 40ml a day.
9CARRY A TOOTHBRUSH
Snacking on sugary treats? Brush afterwards to help protect your tooth enamel.
10LOOK AFTER YOUR LIVER
Minimise excess drinking damage in advance. ‘Milk thistle supports the liver, protecting it from toxins,’ says nutritionist Jenny Chu**. Try Effervescent Milk Thistle Extract (£8.49 for 20, Holland & Barrett).
11EAT EGG ON TOAST
Drinking on an empty stomach makes you tipsy faster and interferes with blood sugar levels. ‘Eat a poached egg on wholemeal toast before you begin boozing,’ suggests Jenny.
12START THE DAY RIGHT
Central heating, salty snacks and more alcohol than normal can leave us seriously dehydrated. Begin each day with a full glass of water and then one before every meal.
13HAVE A KITCHEN DISCO
‘Dancing
