healthy eating and weight loss over christmas
Christmas time means work parties, functions and time for celebrations and spending time with family and friends. However, the festive season doesn’t have to be a write-off. In fact, if your New Year’s resolution is to lose a few kilo’s, Christmas is actually the best time to start. Here are my 5 top tips for eating (and drinking) smarter throughout the “silly season”.
1. Don’t deprive yourself: Depriving yourself often brings out that rebel inside you that makes you want it more. Giving in and allowing yourself to have it will actually mean that you will want that food less.
2. Fail to plan and you plan to fail: Plan ahead and stick to your usual healthy eating habits and portions. Use a food diary to keep track of your eating patterns.
3. Think about what you drink: Most people realise that they tend to eat more food during the festive season, but many fail to appreciate the contribution of their liquid calories during this time! If you drink, enjoy alcoholic drinks in moderation. Men should keep to no more than two standard drinks in a day and, women should have no more than one standard drink.
4. Use healthy cooking methods: grilling, baking, steaming, boiling and BBQ using limited added fats and salt. Use fresh or dried herbs to increase flavour instead!
5. Exercise: If you enjoy your physical activity, don't change your habits just because it's Christmas. It will also make you feel good about yourself and feel less sluggish and more energised.
Above all, bear in mind that these festive celebrations are all about sharing happy times with others, which can lift our spirits and have a great effect on mind and body as well.
If you would like any further advice around healthy eating please contact Sanctuary Dietitian Maddy on 02 9506 0400.