Former Bachelor Sam Wood shares simple trick to avoid Christmas weight gain

Former Bachelor Sam Wood has revealed his Christmas holidays fitness tricks and why he tells his clients to focus on “breaking even”.

Drink plenty of water, avoid overeating and use good old fashioned common sense — these are the simple strategies for beating the bulge this holiday season, according to fitness duo Sam and Snezana Wood.

The former Bachelor star, who runs the 28 By Sam Wood personal training empire, told Confidential that staying in shape over Christmas is easy — but only if you’re willing to put in the work.

“When it comes to the festive season, there are so many events on the calendar and so much food and drink on offer,” said Sam.

“I definitely think there is a time and a place to eat, drink and be merry but you need to use common sense and try not to go overboard.

Former Bachelor Sam Wood and wife Snezana share holiday fitness tips

“Everything in moderation. If you have a full calendar, I highly recommend being selective and choosing somewhere you’re going to let your hair down and treat yourself and others that really should be just like any other day.”

Sam, 40, said common mistakes people make over the holidays is overindulging, which has its consequences.

“It’s far easier to maintain your weight over Christmas than to throw caution to the wind in November, overindulge in December and get to the end of January and realise you’ve done some serious damage,” he said.

“Christmas isn’t exactly the easiest time to be losing weight which is why I always tell my 28ers that during this time, breaking even is a win. You just don’t want to go backwards.”

Sam once famously helped his glamorous wife Snezana shed 10kg after sending her a strict workout plan that included 28 minutes of daily exercise after they appeared on The Bachelor.

The couple pride themselves on their healthy lifestyles and are often seen working out together at the gym or at home with their three children Willow, three, Charlie, one, and 15-year-old Eve from a previous relationship.

Snezana Wood is pictured in 2015, before her 10kg weight loss.

The Bachelor winner is pictured after her 10kg weight loss

“I typically look at my schedule across the week and if I’ve had more social outings, I’ll just try and increase my steps or get another workout in to try to balance it out,” Snezana, 40, said of her discipline.

“Drink lots of water. Eat lots of veggies and mix up the protein each night (but bread is normally not too far away!). Everything in moderation but if you eat a little more, do a little more.”

Sam added that portion control goes a long way.

“One of the best things about Christmas (except for your waistline) is all the delicious food. From ham to shortbread, Christmas cake and everything in between- it truly is the best time of year for your tastebuds,” he said.

Sam helped his wife shed unwanted kilos by sending her a strict weight loss plan after she left The Bachelor mansion.

“If you’re like me and love just about everything, portion control is your friend. We live in a society where more is more and we are so accustomed to finishing everything on our plate. “Pile your plate high with vegetables and a fresh salad, serve with a good quality protein and then leave some room for smaller portions of the not-so-healthy stuff.”

He said exercise should also be maintained throughout the festive season.

“Don’t stop moving. It’s easy over Christmas to get out of routine and let exercise fall to the wayside. Don’t let this happen,” said Sam.

“If you have something on in the evening, do your workout in the morning. If you’re travelling, try body-weight workouts or go for walks/runs.

“It’s so important during a time where we’re typically eating and drinking more to maintain (or even increase) our training.”

Sam Wood, his wife Snezana and daughters Charlie, Eve and Willow are working out at home. Picture: Supplied