Eating Healthily During the Silly Season – Top 10 Tips for Surviving Christmas

 

The holiday season doesn’t have to be a time where you let it all go and your health (and waistline) heads south. By having the right frame of mind and clear expectations, the Silly Season can actually be a great time to de-stress, get fit and stay in shape. Use these 10 top tips to stay on top your game and keep your health and weight in check through the holiday period

Top 10 Tips for Surviving Christmas.

1. Set Realistic Expectations.
Choose a positive frame of mind, set some achievable goals and stay on-track. Don’t be too hard on yourself either, factor in some rest time and a few indulgences here and there. Remember, this is also your chance to recharge for the following year. So enjoy the time off with family and friends.

2. Bump Up the Exercise.
Exercise is a privilege and during the year it can so frequently get put on the back burner. Now is the time to maximize your free time by treating yourself with the opportunity to get out there are get fitter. We have beautiful long summer days so we can squeeze in an extra 30mins in the morning when we first wake up or of an evening when we get home.

3. Taper Your Meals.
If a feast is on the horizon, compensate in the day or two leading up to the food fest by actively reducing your treats and be careful with your food choices, make them as healthy as possible. Hold out on any indulgences and save them for the big day. Make the day after a big meal or event also a low food volume day.

4. Look Good, Feel Good.
Look your best when you go out and let it reflect all the hard work you have been putting in all year. This way, you will be less likely to overdo it with food and alcohol. You won’t want all that hard work going to waste.

5. Be Prepared to Say ‘No’.
Feel comfortable in declining food or not joining in with rounds of drinks. Opt for a water every second drink and skip a round of nibbles if they are being offered. Keep your distance from the buffet or food table. Turn your back on the passing food/drinks waiter – it will stop mindless eating and drinking whilst socializing.

6. Top Up Before You Go Out!
Eat something light and healthy such as a wholegrain sandwich with lean xmas turkey or ham, cranberry and alfalfa sprouts before you head out the door. It will take the edge off your hunger and may help stop you from overeating.

7. Portion Control.
Enjoy your food but don’t overdo the serving sizes. Be aware of what you are eating and much you are eating. Maintaining a level of awareness is all you need to keep your food intake in check.

8. Beware the Alcohol Factor.
Remember, alcohol is second to fat for high calories. Just think of alcohol as liquid fat and the message will stick. Alcohol stimulates your appetite and lowers your resolve.

9. Don’t Deny Yourself.
Allow some indulgences, relax a little and have some treats. Factor them in so that you don’t resent the situation and you will be far more likely to last the distance and stay in control.

10. Join Springday.
Springday can hold your hand day-by-day over the Silly Season and into the New Year. We can be your own online personal trainer and wellness program to ensure you are reaching your goals and earning your points each day in our "My Day" Tracking tool.
Most of all enjoy the holiday season, keep your goals in the back of your mind, but don’t feel stressed or guilty if you take a step back this year. Remember the New Year is a time for a New You.

If you would like to give yourself a gift this Christmas, why not request a consultation with me.

Written by, Dr Naras Lapsys, Springday Nutrition Expert.

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