Tips on helping your waist line survive the festive season
During December we move into celebration mode, Christmas parties, after work drinks, it’s a very exciting time. However this is also the time of year when extra calories slip into the diet, what seems like a simple treat or part of Christmas, will have to work off again in January.
I am not saying that you should avoid all the Christmas treats but the following are a couple of tips to allow you to sculpt and not have to renovate your body come January.
Think ahead, this time of year it’s very predictable what foods are going to be served so decided where your priorities are. If you are looking forward to the Christmas pudding then go for it but avoid the cheese platter, the extra serve of baked potatoes and the nuts sitting on the table.
Avoid peer pressure by loading your plate with veggies and low calorie food and then add the extras. Start eating the low calorie food first and work your way to the seasonal treats. This way everyone sees you joining in but by the time you get to the high calorie food you are partly full so less likely to over eat the turkey.
Watch out for the nibbles like bowls of nuts. Nuts are very high in calories so what seems likes just a couple of mouth full ends up contributing another meal to your daily calorie intake.
If you’re going to someone else’s place for Christmas offer to bring a dish, people will appreciate the help and you will know you have a low fat option to fill up on.
Limit alcohol, you don’t want to go cold turkey as it is a time of celebration but plain ahead. Cut out Alcohol at home as you know it will be flowing at the Christmas parties and celebrations with family. Try a wine spritzer and always follow the alcohol with a glass of water. Take the designated driver role to some Christmas parties. Sip your drink and avoid top ups, refill when you have finished.
If you feel that self control is going to be difficult, have a healthy snack before you leave so you are not attacking your meal on an empty stomach.
Take a walk after a sit down meal, it will help your metabolism to get going. You are not going to be perfect, there will be blips but this is not the end of the world. Just except it and get back on the track again. The holiday season can be a stressful time so look out for comfort eating and give yourself some time to relax.
Have a great festive season. Adam