Worried about holiday weight gain? You’re not alone. There is a fine balance between eating well and enjoying yourself over Christmas and New Year.
Here are some tips to help you find your balance throughout the holiday season.
Make your choices in advance
If you’re going to an event or meal where the options are available online, scope them out. Most restaurants, cafes and even catering companies will have menus online for you to view. Choose what you want before you arrive, so you’re less tempted by what others are ordering or the scents around you.
Start off nutrient-dense
If you’re at an event with a buffet table, you can enjoy a few treats. But it’s best to start with one plate of nutrient-dense choices first. Grab a good quality protein, high-fibre carbohydrates and some fresh veggies before you hit up the dessert table.
Know the consequences
It’s important to know how foods affect you, and make your choices based on those. For example, you might choose to eat a small bite of a food if it only gives you a mild tummy ache. But if you know it’s going to make you sick, you’ll probably want to avoid it.
It’s okay to communicate the reason for your choice with others. If someone is pushing a dish on you, you can simply say ‘thank you, but that food makes me sick’.
Choose your indulgences
Have you ever munched through a chunk of fruitcake, only to remember that you don’t really like it? You’re not alone. During the holidays, it’s common for people to accept plates of food they don’t really enjoy.
But this is one area where you want to be picky. After all, we absorb more nutrition from food we enjoy, so you might as well go for a delicious option. When you’re faced with a variety of food options, choose one or two of your absolute favourites, and leave the rest.
When you do have a treat that you enjoy, being present will make the experience far more enjoyable. By savouring each bite, you’re less likely to over consume and feel guilty about it afterwards. So take your time with your holiday favourites!
Stay active
It’s easy to get sluggish as the weather heats up and the year comes to a close. But staying active is just as important for your wellbeing as what you eat. So find ways to incorporate movement into your holiday plans. You could look at options such as:
- Swimming on hot days
- Going for an evening walk after a large meal
- Taking the family to the park after breakfast
- Buying presents for the family that are more active, such as totem tennis poles
- Schedule in a weekly exercise class over the holidays
Do you have any top tips for navigating the holiday season?
