Festive Season nutritional survival guide
These are some rules you can follow as a guide to help you stay on track. Some strategies of how to get around putting on the kg’s all through December.
On average, most Australian’s will gain up to 2kg of weight over the Christmas period.
You won’t be able to lose any weight over the festive season but you can avoid putting any weight on.
To start of with the drinking at parties, there is always a way to create strategies to minimise consumption at all parties you attend. These days I don’t really drink at all to keep my tummy on track but there were days when I would drink at every party I went too.
Always have a drink in your hand (to look like you are participating) BUT drink it slowly. You may need to be ready to say that your OK when drinks are offered.
Opt for light beers instead which means taking your own to a house party.
If you have a mixed drink with Vodka I have a sneaky little trick. I used to drink Vodka with water and lime (instead of soda water). And every second drink, I would order just water with lime. This way people still think you are drinking and joining in the festivities.
Drive to the events, this is going to give you a limit of how much you can drink at the event. Remember your limit before you get to the event so you can monitor yourself.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. If you feel hungry or think you can’t resist the temptation of a another drink – have a glass of water.
If you are hosting a party or attending someone’s party or barbecue, you have the opportunity to include healthy options.
Take a healthy vegetable platter with dips or a salad so this will be eaten instead of bread
Take some seafood to be cooked on the barbecue instead of eating a large piece of steak
Try to always take a plate to share so there is something that meets your needs. I have dietary requirements so by taking a healthier plate of food, this way I have something good to eat instead.
If you can’t resist the yummy temptations, eat small portions! You’re not obligated to eat that large piece of meat that takes up your whole plastic party plate.
Attending a lot of events that are catered for and don’t want to miss out? Then don’t deprive yourself of your favourite Christmas treat!
Again, eat smaller portions of your favourite food. Before you dive in and fill the plate so its overflowing because it looks great; Ask yourself – Do I actually feel like this now? As soon as you are no longer enjoying the food and only eating it because you don’t want to miss out on the greatest Christmas food, stop!
Can’t help yourself? Then go for it! BUT go for a healthy breakfast and lunch. Limit your calorie intake with smaller healthier options during the day or when you are not at events. Limiting your calories with other meals is going to help with your overall calorie intake.
Try exercise every day to help the body get ride of those excess sugars and fats your consuming. Go for a walk to meet up with friends, take that gym class after work instead of watching TV.
Another option can be to eat or have a snack before attending a party so that you are full and can bypass the naughty foods. More time for talking, hold a drink in your hand to keep it busy!
Meet friends for tea/coffee or for a walk instead of meeting for a meal. Only opt for meals when you have an event to attend.
As I mentioned before, staying hydrated can help you curve the cravings. Quite often we are actually dehydrated and not hungry, even though we think we are. Have some water and see how you feel in 20mins. Having a glass a water when you arrive at a party will help you feel fuller.
For me, I try to keep the healthy eating going through December, all the way up to Christmas… I know, this can be hard!
I keep a fitness program in place so that I’m working off any extra calories gained through the day.
How I combat this is means sometimes not attending all parties over the December festive period. Taking healthier food options with me to parties or trying to eat less of the food that is available. I eat well for all meals that are not involving festive celebrations or parties to keep the calories down. I try to keep up with regular healthy meals so my body isn’t starving for the next meal. This will also help you keep those cravings under control.
Think about what you are eating, be mindful!
I then give myself a ‘Two Day Pass’ for Christmas and Boxing Day to eat whatever I want (well within my dietary requirements). All the sugars and fatty food you want to enjoy for the day without feeling like you are missing out.
