How to Enjoy the Holidays Without the Weight Gain

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season Without the Weight Gain

My top 10 tips & tricks

Yep it’s that time of year again when we’re surrounded by the temptations of the ‘silly season.’ You have parties to go to with your friends. Christmas break-ups, work do’s and New Year’s parties. Not to mention the big feasts on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Do you have a plan/strategy for how you’re going to deal with it all? Or do you just throw caution to the wind and worry about the damage afterwards?

How not to overindulge in the wine and cheese this Christmas

Moderation and common sense are key

I generally don’t like rules, but if I had any, this would be #1: ignore the old fashioned dieting “all or nothing” mindset!

Living a healthy lifestyle is about enjoying all of the food you eat and nothing should be off limits. Just some foods you eat more of, regularly, and some that you eat less of, less often.

And when you have a treat or special occasion, it’s all part of your plan, so you can completely enjoy it. There’s nothing to feel guilty about.

Remember, it’s not what you eat over the holiday period, it’s what you eat the rest of the year that really matters!

It can take time to get out of the ‘diet’ mentality, so I’ve compiled a list of tips below to help.

My top ten tips for holiday parties & events:

1. Don’t go out on an empty stomach:

Before you head out, make sure you fill yourself up with something healthy, like a big salad, a protein shake or some fruit and veg. You’ll be less likely to overeat at the party or event.

2. Listen to your body.

Are you really hungry? Do you actually need more? Be aware of your body’s signals, especially your hunger level. If you’re tempted by ‘seconds’ wait 10-15 minutes. Then reassess, and if you are still hungry, go for it!

3. Plan ahead.

Make a plan of what you’d ideally like to eat & drink at the party. This will make you more aware of the urge to overeat/drink. Stick to the plan as best you can, but don’t beat yourself up over any slip-ups. And if you do stray from the plan, don’t completely give up.

4. Don’t hang around the food table.

Don’t eat just because others are eating, and don’t just mindlessly pick up snacks from the buffet table. If you eat, portion your food onto a plate and then follow the 50% rule.

5. Follow the 50% rule.

Eat 50% of what’s on your plate, and then assess if you need more. If you don’t feel full, then eat another 50% of what’s left on your plate, and so on.

6. Bring a healthy plate.

Offer to bring a fruit or vegetable platter, a fruit salad bowl, or dips with veggies. Then you know you’ll definitely have something healthy to nibble on, and others may quietly appreciate it too.

7. Be the designated driver.

If you don’t want to drink alcohol, offer to drive your friends. Just make sure you avoid swapping alcohol for sugar-laden fizzy soft drinks. Have one drink on arrival, then stick to water – jazzed up with bubbles and/or fruit.

8. Eat slowly.

Savour every bite you take and chew up to 15 times per mouthful. Eating slowly is good for your digestion and helps you to not overeat, by giving your brain time to receive the ‘full’ signal from your stomach.

9. Alternate water and alcohol.

Make sure you have one glass of water for every alcoholic drink. This great habit will not only keep you hydrated and help you avoid a hangover, it will also keep your stomach fuller.

10. Indulge without guilt.

Allow yourself to have a little splurge or indulgence. This doesn’t mean mindlessly over-eating. Treat yourself without guilt to something extra special and take the time to enjoy every bite.