It’s important to maintain a healthy lifestyle but, every now and then, even the most strong-minded of us will stray – and Christmas seems to be the one time when most of us will over-indulge. If you’re looking forward to getting into the spirit of Christmas but not the after-effects, you’re not alone.

 

An abundance of food and drinks, combined with lazy days catching up with loved ones over the festive season can lead to weight gain and the inevitable New Year’s resolution to lose it. According to Hopewood Health Retreat’s General Manager, Sharon Beavon, the key to managing your weight overall is to find your body’s healthy weight.

 

“Not an easy task,” admits Sharon, “which is one reason why we recommend a consultation with a naturopath, who can help develop individual nutritional programs. However, a combination of regular, gentle exercise and a healthy diet that contains plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables really does work best.”

 

Wendy Hannah, one of Hopewood’s Naturopaths, advises that restoring your health after over-indulging at Christmas can be a simple process of eliminating stimulants such as caffeine and sugar, and eating only natural, unprocessed foods. “Natural foods boost immune integrity and improve vitality,” said Wendy. “For two to three days after Christmas, eat only fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts and seeds with plenty of water. Avoid saturated fat, salt, sugar, meat, coffee, black tea and alcohol.”

 

To really get your healthy living back on track and to help get rid of those additional Christmas kilograms, Hopewood offers a Weight Control package. Designed to help you reach your healthy weight and maintain it without dieting, this five to seven night program includes a consultation with a naturopath who will advise you how to make appropriate choices from Hopewood’s delicious, gourmet vegetarian smorgasbord. Hopewood’s life coach will provide guidance on how to plan for when you return home. Healthy weight and stress management workshops will help you to learn new eating behaviours and cooking demonstrations will ensure you have the necessary skills to create healthy yet delicious meals. To complete the program, a body wrap and facial will stimulate your circulation and metabolism, and ensure you leave Hopewood refreshed and relaxed.