There is no reason why a healthy weight loss plan needs to go out of the window at Christmas, or why you can’t make good choices over the Festive period. Here’s how:
Remember it’s just one day, it’s not a reason to pig out for a month
At parties, reduce your alcohol – it contains empty calories, messes up your blood sugar – making you more hungry, and alters your judgement so you don’t care what you eat . . .until the next day!
If you are going to a buffet party, eat a small meal before you go e.g chicken salad, mug of soup, or a slice of ham and oatcakes – you will be less inclined to eat the buffet food. Avoid all pastries, food in breadcrumbs, creamy dips, salted nuts and crisps, and don’t go up for seconds
Don’t buy food you don’t need in the house such as tins of chocolates or biscuits or salted nuts. If they are there put them out of sight
Treat yourself to a mince pie or piece Xmas cake – but consider it a treat, not one a day. Even better make your own mince pies with sherry soaked raisins and filo pastry, or make a fruit compote with a dash or brandy rather than eat Christmas cake.
Watch portions and don’t over-stuff. You will feel lighter with more energy.
Counter calorific meals out with small high protein snacks, and increase your exercise. Get the family out walking or do an exercise video from YouTube
Whilst natural nuts are a healthy snack, mindless cracking of nuts leads to a significant amount of unwanted calories.
Many friends and family aren’t supportive of weight loss over Christmas, so it may be easier to explain you are ‘full’ rather than on a diet – they can’t argue with that !
