Temptations abound during party season but it is possible to stay healthy without missing out on the fun and festivities.

With the silly season upon us and the numerous events this can bring, it’s easy to consume far more alcohol and poorer quality foods than we might usually. While alcohol can fit into a healthy lifestyle and enjoying it occasionally may be nourishing for your soul, regular over-consumption can have significant consequences on health and wellbeing. With all the work parties, family gatherings and social events spanning these months, many people share with me that by the end of the festive season they are feeling far from their best. It is entirely possible to maintain great health and energy across this time without compromising your social life or missing out on the fun and festivities. Here are some tips to help:

Stay hydrated
During these warmer months, it’s important to stay well hydrated. Even mild dehydration can lead to symptoms such as headaches and fatigue, and it’s very common for thirst to be confused with hunger. In fact, many people cannot wait for that after-work drink because they are both thirsty and hungry. To test this out for yourself, when you first arrive home or to a gathering, have a large glass of still or sparkling water and a handful of nuts and see if you still want the wine. Alcohol has a dehydrating effect so it’s also a good idea to have a glass of water in between alcoholic drinks, if you choose to drink them. Or, instead of alcohol, you could try kombucha or a delicious mocktail made from sparkling water, mint leaves and fresh lemon juice.

A little preparation can make a big difference
If your social calendar is packed with events, take a little time in advance to consider which events you want to enjoy whatever food and drinks you feel like at the time, and which events you might choose not to drink alcohol at, for example. For events that don’t have a sit-down meal and are likely to involve lots of canapés and fried foods, make sure you aren’t starving when you arrive at the event. Consider eating a light meal at home before you go, or if you’re heading to the event straight from work, prepare some nourishing snacks that you can have beforehand if you want to minimise the poorer quality options being passed around. If attending an event is rare for you, of course relax and enjoy everything on offer; but if they are frequent, pick and choose the ones where you do this.

It’s not all or nothing
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard people say “I’ve ruined it” after drinking too much or over-indulging in poor quality foods on offer at an event. But it’s this kind of thinking that tends to lead them to continue eating and drinking in a way that doesn’t serve their health. If you tell yourself you’ve ruined it, it’s likely that you’ll perceive you have to “start over” tomorrow, or next week … or next year, and in the meantime you’ll likely keep making poor quality choices. But the truth is, it’s not all or nothing. Each moment is a new opportunity to make different choices, and you haven’t ruined anything.

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