No one wants to be told to eat or drink less over Christmas. Christmas is a special family and friends time, we are happy, jolly and relaxed. It is awesome.

But after few days of eating and drinking too much we have less energy, we feel sleepy and groggy and cannot get rid of that heavy, bloated tummy. Alcohol and Christmas treats that are packed with sugar and salt will throw your metabolism completely out of balance!

We start enjoying it less and less and keep on thinking about getting back to our pre-Christmas routine.

But there is one thing you can do, to minimise the side effects of Christmas overindulgent: STAY HYDRATED. But it is not only about drinking plenty water. Try to have less of any processed, salty and sweet foods and have more protein, fresh fruit and veggies!

Here are few tips, that will help you enjoy your Christmas even more this year! (by www.thebestofhealth.co.uk)

• Throughout the day before the event, drink plenty of water or herbal teas (try to avoid caffeine or hot chocolate) and limit any fruit juices.

• Fruit infusions are an excellent idea, as you gain the vitamin benefits as well as hydration.

• Avoid salty foods, as these will also dehydrate you.

• Stick to protein-based foods with fruit and vegetables or salad. If you like cooking, consider making a bone or vegetable broth – the nutrients contained, as well as the water element, are a nutritious way to prepare your body for the evening out.

• Just prior to going out, have something like some yogurt and a banana – the protein contained therein slows down the stomach mechanism, and the potassium will assist in balancing out any salty foods. Continue to drink plenty of the recommended fluids.

• On arrival at the event, if champagne or sparkling wine is on offer, limit yourself to one, even if it’s free. Alcohol strips water from the body, and the aeration in bubbles, along with chemicals used, will pay havoc with your system.

• Intersperse any alcoholic drinks with water, or better still, have drinks that include water and not pure alcohol.

• If you are wandering around the buffet table, pick vegetable crudites over pastry canapes or sausage rolls. The water content in the vegetables will also aid towards hydration. Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, grapes and celery are all extremely good and nutritious.

• Equally so, look out for any berries on offer strawberries, blueberries and raspberries are highly nutritious and have a high-water content. You may find them at the cocktail bar, so ask for those without the cocktail.

• When you arrive home, drink more water and if you have fruit in the fridge, try to eat some more. Take water to bed with you, so that if you wake during the night, you can re-hydrate if thirsty.

• In the morning, have a glass of warm water with lemon or a green tea. This will help to activate your system and begin any detoxification process needed. Continue to drink fluids throughout the day.