We
all know the drill. It can be INCREDIBLY HARD to stay healthy when you have
delicious desserts pouring in from all directions! Yes, it’s Christmas again. It’s
the time of the year when you can so easily ruin your whole year’s weight loss efforts. Isn't that freaky? Well, it’s one of the worst things I can imagine happening
to me at least! Luckily, there are a few things which we can all do to maintain
that waistline. Rest assured, I’m not going to ask you to completely ignore all
those delicacies. It’s practically impossible, I know! Just follow these few
tips I’m bringing to you and hopefully, we’ll all survive this time of the year.
And of course, the Christmas fun will still be there! Your body will thank you
for this!
TIP 1: MAKE A PLAN
The
party buffet isn't going away, so make a game out of it. For instance, promise
yourself six bites of the very best stuff, and that's it, so what will it be? If
you know the desserts are great and the alcohol isn't so important to you,
pre-plan for it. Put the focus on choosing the very best, most delicious stuff
and really enjoying your selections. It'll help you change your mindset from
one of deprivation to one of satisfaction.
TIP 2: KEEP THE FOCUS
ON FUN, NOT FOOD
Most
holidays are associated with certain foods. Christmas at your house might not
be the same without your aunt's green bean casserole, but that doesn't mean
food has to be the main focus. Instead, throw yourself into the other rituals a
holiday brings, whether it's caroling or tree trimming. How about shopping or
just hitting the mall with friends? It’s still better than eating all the time.
If
you’re going out in the evening, start the day with a generous bowl of
porridge, topped with a handful of cranberries and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Porridge stabilises blood sugar levels, which helps control appetite later in
the day. Also, add a good dollop of probiotic yogurt, which helps boost
immunity as well as combat some of the less beneficial effects of the party
season, like too much alcohol and not enough sleep.
Everyone is overly busy during the holidays, and most of us want to spend our time shopping, decorating, or seeing friends and family, which leaves less time to cook healthy meals. Take defensive action several weeks ahead of time by cooking meals intended specifically for the freezer. You'll be thankful later when you can pop one of the meals into the oven or microwave and turn your attention instead to writing out holiday cards with a personal message in each.
TIP 5: FIT IN SNEAKY EXERCISE
Keep
up your exercise to counter the food. Visit the gym (usually half-empty at this
time of year), take up swimming or go for a brisk walk after dinner in the cool
of the evening. Walk the dog. Run. Play cricket in the back yard. Keep up with your
regular exercise routine and you won’t feel like you’re actually exercising
during Christmas time.
TIP 6: STAY HYDRATED
On
the day of a big night out, and the day after, make a conscious effort to drink
6-8 glasses of water, or plenty of herbal teas or diluted juice. Even mild
dehydration can lead to a headache and combined with the diuretic effects of
alcohol makes maintaining your fluid intake so important. Regular teas and
coffee count towards your fluid intake, but caffeinated versions shouldn't make
up your full quota.
TIP 7: BE MINDFUL
A
comparative three-month study showed that when it comes to weight loss,
practicing a mindful approach to eating is just as effective as following a strict
diet, indicating that responding to hunger and fullness cues is as important as
vowing to skip dessert. So once you're sated, move away from the food, and
enjoy catching up with a friend or family member you haven't seen in a while.
TIP 8: MUNCH ON WHAT
YOU WANT NOW, NOT LATER
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"The
trick is to right away load up on all that tasty stuff," says Dr. Smith.
If your aunt's artichoke dip isn't the healthiest appetizer, but you love it
and know you'll end up having some eventually, take a sampling as soon as you
walk in the door. Instead of feeling guilty and defeated, you'll feel like you
get to have your cake and eat it too!
If
you are attending a holiday party, eat a small healthy snack before you go.
Then try to be mindful of what you decide to eat when you arrive at the party
or dinner event. “Don’t stand near the nut bowl and don’t mindlessly pick at
food.” Eating slowly is important and you’re advised to set down your cutlery
in between bites so that the brain has time to register that you are full.
TIP 10: TAKE A DEEP BREATH
If
you feel stressed or anxious, your unconscious response is to take faster,
shallower breaths that can contribute to feelings of panic. Practise taking a
few slow, deep breaths every so often when you remember or when you feel panic
rise. Your pulse will slow to match your breathing and restore calm. Keep
telling yourself: ‘I’ve got this. I can do hard things. I’m strong. It will be
okay’. I promise, it helps!
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