Healthy holiday hacks

‘Tis the season for getting together and enjoying time with family and friends. With most of us expecting to attend several events over December and January, it can be great to set some goals and expectations to maintain a healthy routine over the coming months—while also indulging in your favourite festive treats from time to time.

Here are 3 healthy holiday hacks to set you up for the festive season:

1. Plan your drinks

Alcohol is often a big part of many social gatherings. This holiday season, plan ahead and decide if you will drink alcohol and if you choose to drink, how many drinks you will have at upcoming events.

If you choose to drink, follow the National Health and Medical Research guidelines: drink no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.

For a low-kilojoule hack, use soda water as a mixer instead of sugary drinks, or add fruit and mint to soda water as a refreshing alternative. Remember, not only does water keep you feeling hydrated, but it also helps to keep your feeling fuller for longer!

If you are choosing not to drink alcohol this Christmas, that doesn’t mean your drinks have to be boring! We have three delicious and fun mocktail recipes that you will love and are perfect to share at your next event. Get the recipes here.

2. Bring something healthy to share

Platters are a great addition to any event and so simple to put together! The secret to building a show-stopping and healthy platter is to load it up with a rainbow of colourful and nutrient-rich fruits and veggies, fill in the gaps with grainy or seeded crackers and add in some healthier dips like hummus or tzatziki. Check out our guide to making the perfect platter here and try making your own dips to add to your platter, like our hummus with capsicum and pepitas recipe.

Take a look at our recipes page for more great recipes to share at your next event!

3. Keep moving

It can be easy to slip out of your regular exercise routine when on holidays, so why not try heading outside and finding some fun ways to get active with family and friends.

A walk in the park, bike rides along the river, backyard cricket, kicking the footy, or a swim at the local pool or beach are great ways to get some extra activity in while enjoying time with your loved ones.

Learn more about lifestyle factors and cancer at www.cancersa.org.au/prevention/lifestyle-factors