Authored by ; Matsiko Gift , Certified Nutrition expert .

Don't let a few extra pounds become a problem. if you have put on weight during the festive holiday (Christmas) or your weight has increased a little  , try these 8 ways to get your self back on track .

1. Make a Food log

A food log is can be inform of an electronic document or small booklet where you record foods you have consumed in a day. Making this log is the best way to hold yourself accountable on what you have eaten and check the progress you have made . Examples of Apps that you could download to recieve assistance in effecting this activity are My Fitness pal, My plate , My Net Diary.

2. Be Prepared 

inorder to stay back on track with your diet plan , its very important that you are prepared with all meals , snacks etc if you plan on travelling , outing , touring , attending parties to prevent you from eating and buying unhealthy foods like chips , pizza , sausages etc.

3. Be Active for 30 minutes a day .

Being active can be as effective as a full body work out weights or as simple as taking the stairs instead of elevator at work. this is because physical activity lowers your bloodpressure and boosts your mood .

4. Include Alot of Fruits and Vegetables in your diet.

Include as many vegetables and fruits as you can in your meals (lunch and dinner) because this will help you to stay full for longer periods and to load up on essential nutrients and vitamins.

5.  Go Shopping With A List

Make sure to sit down and write all the foods you need for the  week heading to the market because its easy to walk into the food market and end up buying unhealthy stuff like chocolate , Doughnuts ,ice cream , pizza.

6 . Moderate on Alcohol Consumption.

Alcohol according to different studies is known to be high in calories , increases appetite (if drunk in small amounts) and lowering inhibitors which means you are less likely to stick to your healthy eating plans . therefore you are advised to cut down to 2bottles a day for Men and 1 bottle a day for women to help you stay on track. 

7. Avoid Temptation 

It is usual over Christmas to get lots of Food related presents which you wouldn't buy such as chocolate , biscuits , bottles of wine and these can be hard to resist. Try to avoid temptation by keeping them sealed and they can even be used as presents for other people. if you do open them , try to do it when you have the opportunity to share them out to ensure that you don't over indulge.

8. Don't beat Yourself Up.

if you slip and eat too much on a night or you don't have time to cook at night and you end up having fast food as your dinner thats okay . Being gentle on your self allows you to think of a set back as less of a failure and as more of an obstacle . Just try again the next day .