Hitchin Nub News aims to support our community, promoting shops, businesses, charities, clubs and sports groups.

We profile some of these businesses and organisations regularly in a feature called 'Up Close in Hitchin' while also encouraging opinion pieces from our readers and trusted contributors.

So, with lockdown over, and the festive season upon us, here's Slimming World consultant Sarah Lawrence from Hitchin to give us expert advice on how to avoid piling on the pounds as Christmas approaches.

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It's fair to say that Christmas is a time to enjoy your favourite food and drink and, after a year as unprecedented as this Covid affected one, it's understandable that anyone would want to let their hair down and overindulge.

However, it's wise to try not fall off the healthy eating and exercise bandwagon completely, especially as families are more likely to be spending more time at home this year, surrounded by tempting treats.

We know the first lockdown saw many people put their weight loss on hold and over 50 percent started to struggle with their weight and their mental health.

However, we also know that excess weight is associated with weight related health problems and this is particularly concerning right now with an increased risk of dying from Covid of a staggering 37 percent.

You can keep fit and healthy in the comfort of your own home during lockdown.

Managing a healthy weight has never been more important than it is now.

We have come up with these boredom-busting, practical top tips to help get you through lockdown and stay healthy and fit.

Fall in love with food:

It's so easy to get stuck in a bit of a rut when it comes to cooking.

If you end up making the same meals every week, take this time to try something new that makes you feel excited about cooking again.

Stay in touch:

It's easy to feel isolated during lockdown – as well as missing family and friends, missing your normal day-to-day routine can have a big impact on the way you feel and as a result, your eating and activity habits.

Video calls are, of course, hugely popular to help people stay connected during lockdown, scheduling an online date with your friends, or booking a family quiz night and testing your loved ones' general knowledge.

Take care:

Even though many of us are spending more time at home than ever, it's still important to practice a little self-care.

As well as staying on track with any healthy eating plans or keeping up with your regular activity, it's important to schedule in some 'me' time too.

Run a hot bubble bath and pamper yourself, or settle down with a book or magazine·

Soothe your mind:

In these challenging times, people will be feeling more worried and anxious than usual, and these feelings could see us turn to food for comfort.

If current events on the news are a trigger for you, try to limit your exposure.

Follow your ordinary routine as much as possible, and keep a sense of normality, whether that's packing up your lunch the night before, dressing in work clothes if you're working from home, taking a nice hot shower or doing your hair and make-up.

Get active:

Your usual gym might be closed but there are still plenty of ways to get active in lockdown.

There are plenty of online classes you can try out, and it doesn't have to be running or aerobics – it can be something as simple as weeding in the garden or getting some DIY and spring cleaning done.

Anything that raises your heart rate counts.

Try to stay hydrated with non-alcoholic drinks

A lot of hunger pangs are often confused with thirst and drinking plenty of water can stave off eating when you're not really hungry.

With Christmas comes a lot of temptation, with copious amounts of food and drink its understandable that "just one" chocolate turns into eating half a tin.

It's hard to say no and limit yourself at Christmas, but there is advice you can try to follow to ensure you don't overdo the sweet treats.

Don't skip meals to save calories

You're more likely to overeat later due to hunger.

Make space and exercise at home!

With new lockdown and tier systems being announced, seeing Hitchin placed in tier 2 level of restrictions, there's nothing stopping you from embarking on exercise in and around your own home.

It's never too late to get started on a new fitness regime in the run up to Christmas as well (as long as you've had to go-ahead from a health professional), so any extra calories you (quite rightly) enjoy over the festive season won't feel so bad.

You don't have to have a home gym, or even a lot of specialist equipment – just some space and some time.

One big advantage of exercising at home is that you can do it when it suits you.

You don't have to wait for a gym to open if it's in your living room. Pick a form of exercise you enjoy to stop it from becoming a chore.

You might even want to do a mixture of activities in order to keep your week interesting.

Of course, tis the season to be jolly, so while we're not saying don't enjoy yourself this Christmas, but as the experts say, everything in moderation!

For more, call Sarah on 07986 947 330

Read Nub News for Sarah's slimming version of Christmas pudding soon!

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