10 Things To Eat To Look Your Best This Christmas

As much as we try to resist the horrible word ‘DIET’ we all want to look our best for the office Christmas party, New Years Eve bash and and any other festive events we've got lined up. With our eyes firmly on the prize we inevitably begin to assess the things that we shove into our gobs.

But forget subscribing to a faddy diet 7 days before you've got to slip into that LBD. Start making healthy choices now that will see you in good stead for the festive season.

Snacking

This is the classic dieting pitfall, munching on unhealthy snacks during the day is a sure fire way to pile on the pounds. Make better choices by ensuring you've got a selection healthy snacks at your desk.

1. Nuts

If you're after something with a bit of bite place a small pot of nuts on your desk to snack on during the day. For a an extra bit of crunch go for roasted nuts, but watch out for the salt content. Nuts are a brilliant protein filled snack that will leave you feeling full and satisfied. 

2. Dried Fruit

If you think you might struggle to give up sweet treats, try replacing them with dried fruit. The gummy texture and sweet flavour will make you feel like you've just munched through a handful of Haribo! For the most diet friendly dried fruit opt for low sugar, high nutrient options such as mango, apricot and figs. 

Exercise

Unfortunately there is absolutely no quick fix when it comes to losing weight and toning up. You've got no choice but to do some exercise if you want to maintain your shape. Here are a few foods you can eat to get the most of your work out.

3. Bananas
Bananas are high in potassium and potassium helps to aid correct nerve and muscle function which is pretty important for a work out. As we sweat we loose potassium so it's important that your levels are topped up before you start. The best way to do this is to grab a banana before you work out.

4. Pineapple
Once you're done sweating buckets, grab yourself some pineapple. Not only with the fresh sugar hit stop you from sticking a pizza in the oven, it also helps to aid your recovery. Pineapple is a natural anti-inflammatory so if you're feeling the burn after hitting the treadmill a serving of pineapple should help to relax those muscles.

Skin and Hair

Looking your best isn’t all about what the scales say. Having shiny hair and glowing skin is half the battle won against wowing the crowds this Christmas. Instead of trying to find it in a bottle, spend the next few weeks eating the right foods to boost your natural beauty.

5. Blueberries
Blueberries are a great source of antioxidants which are essential for the maintenance of strong shiny hair. These little gems also contain vitamin E which improves circulation to the scalp, therefore promoting strong, healthy growth.

6. Kiwis

When it comes to skin it's all about the vitamin C. This vitamin is vital in producing the collagen that keeps our skin looking plump and firm  Don't be fooled into thinking that oranges are the best source of the C-stuff. In fact kiwis are one of the highest natural sources of vitamin C so add one to your daily routine. 

7. Seeds
Dry skin is one of those things we all have to contend with in winter. Constantly moving from hot to cold conditions and having the heating blasting all day long plays havoc with our skin. The best thing to eat to combat this is anything loaded with vitamin E, that's were there seeds come in. Raw sunflower and pumpkin seeds are bursting with Vitamin E. 

Bright Eyes

There’s nothing like a pair of bright shiny eyes staring back at you in the mirror to make you feel like a super star. Apart from looking your best we all want to preserve our eyes for as long as possible so make some additions to your diet to give them their best possible chance.

8. Avocados
Healthy eyes are shiny eyes. Keep your eyes in tip top shape by keeping your lutein levels up. Lutein is a mineral which helps protect the eyes and also has an effect on pigmentation. Avocados are full of lutein and they also make a great afternoon snack as they are packed with good fats which will give you the energy to push through till 5.30pm!

White Teeth

Nothing goes better with bright eyes than a set of pearly whites. For that total A-list glamour look you need to be rocking a bright white smile. As well as staying away from the coffee and red wine there are a few more things that you can do to your diet to ensure that that your teeth are brighter than the first snow of Christmas

9. Strawberries
Crush some strawberries, dip your toothbrush into the pulp then start scrubbing. It's the light acid content in the strawberries that helps to whiten your gnashers. For a more intense clean, mix some baking soda into the pulp before applying to your teeth. Be sure to rinse thoroughly afterwards to ensure there is no unwanted acid left lurking around your mouth. 

10. Lemons
Rubbing lemon peel on your teeth can help boost whitening. Again it's the acid content in the lemons which helps to brighten up your smile so be sure to rinse afterwards.

So there you have it. 10 things to eat to look your best this Christmas. Happy eating and enjoy the festive season!