Prepare yourself for the holiday season! The run-up to Christmas is often a time for endless party nibbles, alcohol and lack of exercise…
We understand that you don’t want to miss out on the fun so with these tips you can do all of that – party and stay healthy!
1. Exercise
Give yourself the gift of 30 minutes of exercise a day. In addition to burning calories, exercise also helps to relieve tension – so you are less likely to eat to control holiday stress (which is a real thing!).
2. Stay hydrated!
A little water goes a long way – small sips throughout the day is a smart way to keep well hydrated. Even better, water has no fat, no calories and no sugar ? Keep a bottle of ice cold water in the fridge and pop in some mint and lemon.
3. Portion Alert!
Try to keep your portions small and make only one visit to the table. Choose the smallest plate possible. Pile greens and other tasty veggies on your plate first, leaving just a little room for those high-calorie treats like sweets and cheeses. Eat small, lower-calorie meals during the day so you can enjoy a special treat later – just make sure you do not starve yourself for the party and overeat later.
4. Step away from the table
If you don’t put your choices on a plate, you have no idea how much you are really eating. The worst thing you can do at a party is stand around the table dipping into the bowl.
5. Drink smart
Alcohol is a double whammy during the holidays. It tends to weaken your resistance when it comes to eating, and the calories in drinks add up quickly. Always choose low calorie mixes (water is best) and opt for light white wine spritzers as your number one choice.
6. If you need to cheat, be clever about it
Every one craves sugar at this time but make sure you opt for sugar free chocolate deliciousness. See our recipes for ideas…
7. Zen Yourself
Holidays can be stressful. Keep expectations for the holiday season manageable. Organise your time and make a list and prioritise the important activities. Be realistic about what you can and cannot do. And don’t forget to schedule some down time to relax.
8. Slip, don’t slide
If you eat three helpings of mashed potatoes and half a pie, all is not lost. Rather than polishing off the rest, learn from your slip-up. Next time, eat a salad first, start a conversation, and park yourself far from the danger zone. The next time starts today.
Remember to avoid missing meals in the busy period running up to Christmas. This easily leads to overeating, when you’re faced with temptation.
ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON ?