There's a little over a week to go until Christmas Day rolls around, and while we definitely plan on eating our weight in turkey, there's a lot to be said for starting off on the right foot.

Focusing on eating well over the next few days could definitely stand to you come January – and it means you can indulge guilt-free on Christmas Day.

Of course, the coming days will no doubt be jam-packed with office nights out and catch-ups with friends, but a few simple tweaks to your routine will make all the difference.

Here are a few key ways to banish the bloat just in time for Christmas.

1. Snack at the right time
Nutritionists call 3pm the 'magic hour' for healthy snacking, as that's the time our blood sugar levels generally drop and the afternoon slump sets in. Rather than reaching for that box of mince pies in the office kitchen, go for something with protein like a hard-boiled egg, a handful of almonds, some sliced avocado or a piece of fruit.

 

2. Cut down on sugar and salt where you can
The week before Christmas is most definitely not the time to kick off your sugar-free diet, but even cutting down your sugar/salt intake by half will make a huge difference to your levels of bloating. Things like yoghurts, salad dressings, pre-made sauces and diet soft drinks all contain far more sugar and salt than you might imagine. Make smart choices and your body will thank you.

 

3. Eat slowly – and chew EVERY bite
Not only does eating slowly alert your body to when you're full, it also aids digestion, meaning you're less likely to walk away from the dinner table feeling like you just ate a bag of gravel. Keep your water glass topped up at all times and sip regularly to avoid over-eating.

 

4. Prioritise cardio over abs exercises
Doing 100 crunches a night is not the flat-belly quick fix you might think it is. If you're trying to drop a few stubborn pounds, some fast paced, high-intensity interval cardio is the way to go. Try one of these 15-minute videos for a routine that you can fit in between Christmas shopping trips.

 

5.  Swap coffee for green tea
High levels of caffeine can bloat you quickly, so go for green tea – it still contains caffeine but is also a great metabolism booster and is even believed to aid weight loss. Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you don't like the taste by itself.