Partridge in a pear tree
Partridge can be a great alternative to traditional turkey if you want something special and a bit different.
And don’t forget that pear tree. Studies show eating one or two pieces of fruit every day cuts the risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to 40%.
And pears, in particular, contain vitamin B2 and vitamin C, powerful antioxidants which help prevent high blood pressure, repair damaged tissue and strengthen the immune system.
Two turtle doves
Two doves signify love. Half of those polled in a recent survey admit that as a couple, they are generally more attentive and loving at this time of year.
A fifth of couples reckon sex at Christmas is better than at any other time, with more than a quarter claiming they’d prefer to get jiggy with a partner than receive presents.
And that extra sex is good news for your health – it not only boosts the health of your heart, it also relieves stress and boosts immunity. It’s great for your self-esteem and wellbeing, and even makes you look younger!
Have a healthy festive season with these essential tips – and remember them in song
Here’s our alternative guide to getting through the festive season in good shape – based on the traditional song, The 12 Days of Christmas
Partridge in a pear tree
Partridge can be a great alternative to traditional turkey if you want something special and a bit different.
And don’t forget that pear tree. Studies show eating one or two pieces of fruit every day cuts the risk of a heart attack or stroke by up to 40%.
And pears, in particular, contain vitamin B2 and vitamin C, powerful antioxidants which help prevent high blood pressure, repair damaged tissue and strengthen the immune system.
Two turtle doves
Two doves signify love. Half of those polled in a recent survey admit that as a couple, they are generally more attentive and loving at this time of year.
A fifth of couples reckon sex at Christmas is better than at any other time, with more than a quarter claiming they’d prefer to get jiggy with a partner than receive presents.
And that extra sex is good news for your health – it not only boosts the health of your heart, it also relieves stress and boosts immunity. It’s great for your self-esteem and wellbeing, and even makes you look younger!
Three French hens
Eggs are a perfect powerhouse of protein, filling you up until lunch and, says nutritionist Cath MacDonald, they also make a great hangover remedy.
The cysteine found in the amino acids contained in eggs counteracts the poisonous effects of acetaldehyde, the chemical produced by the body as it metabolises alcohol.
Four calling birds
Listening to birdsong is one of life’s natural pleasures – but when was the last time you had your hearing tested?
“Age-related hearing loss is something that affects everyone, without exception,” explains Nick Taylor, hearing specialist at Specsavers Audiologists.
“And higher frequency sounds, like bird songs, are usually the first to go.”
To protect your hearing, get regular checks and try MusicSoft (£14.99 from Specsavers), specialist ear plugs that cut out background noise without blocking out the sounds you want to hear, such as music.
Five gold rings
You’re thinking solitaire diamond, we’re thinking… hula hoops!
Aside from being a fun way to work out, hula hooping can improve your coordination skills, tone your abs, obliques, glutes and thighs, and burn 210 calories in 20 minutes, say experts at Hulafit.com .
Find a hoop that comes up to your belly button when the edge is placed on the floor. Non-weighted hoops are great for beginners, while weighted hoops are best used for resistance and development of core muscle strength.
Six geese a laying
If getting pregnant tops your Christmas wish list, maximise your chances of a joyous conception.
“Quit smoking and cut back on caffeine,” advises Dr Marcos Ferrando, of IVI Fertility Clinic. And de-stress, says Dr Ernesto Bosch.
“ Constant mild stress can delay ovulation by five to six days, which, if you’re attempting to time intercourse, can affect your chances of success,” he says.
And don’t buy ‘tighty whiteys’ for his Christmas stocking, warns Dr Israel Ortega. “There is a potential link between a raised scrotal temperature and infertility.”
Seven swans a swimming
A few lengths of a pool is a great low-impact exercise which works all the muscles, burns lots of calories and is great for stress-busting.
But vary your strokes (75% of women swim the same stroke) to maximise your workout and invest in decent goggles. Visit swimfit.com to find your nearest swimming pool.
Eight maids a milking
Creamy drinks, such as Eggnog and Baileys, can be a recipe for indigestion. Downing milk in an attempt to soothe it, is a mistake, says pharmacist Helen Boardman.
“Milk actually increases acid production by the stomach, causing more heartburn later on,” she adds. Far better to avoid common culprits such as citrus drinks, high-fat foods, onions and chocolate, alcohol, coffee and fizzy drinks.
Nine dancers dancing
Christmas parties provide plenty of opportunities to put on your dancing shoes and hit the floor.
Whether you like to jive or shake your booty, dancing is one of the most enjoyable ways to exercise. It’s great for losing weight, maintaining strong bones, improving posture and muscle strength, increasing balance and co-ordination and beating stress. Just wear comfy shoes!
10 lords a leaping
Bounce your way to fitness in 2016. Rebounding – jumping on a small trampoline – is more effective at boosting your cardiovascular fitness than running.
It’s the “most efficient, effective exercise yet designed by man”, according to a scientific study by NASA to find the best way to tone up flabby astronauts. Just make sure you’re wearing a good sports bra!
Try Fitness-Mad Studio Pro Rebounder – 40inch (£65.99 from Amazon).
11 pipers piping
Give your ‘pipes’ a workout with some festive songs. Pop on Michael Buble’s Christmas tunes, turn up Fairytale Of New York on the radio or head to a local carol service.
Researchers at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, found that choristers’ heartbeats synchronise when they sing together, bringing about a calming effect that is as beneficial to health as yoga.
12 drummers drumming
Whether your drumming headache is the result of a post-Christmas party or general festive stress, nip it in the bud fast.
“Take ibuprofen or aspirin (they work better than paracetamol) with a sweet, fizzy drink, like regular coke,” advises Professor Anne MacGregor, Harley Street Headache Specialist ( annemacgregor.com ).
“This helps absorption – and boosts blood-sugar levels which can aid recovery.” Then drink plenty of fluids to counteract dehydration – the number one cause of headaches.
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