December is almost here and there will be Christmas parties, reunions, noche buenas and more gatherings with great food. During the Christmas season, it is common to skip on the diet and eat with gusto. More on the food and less on the exercise. Right? We can always make up for it with a New Year’s resolution.
Here are some tips for you to stay healthy while enjoying Christmas and the food.
1. Follow Your Exercise Schedule. Be sure to continue to be active this holiday season. Plan your exercise and workouts just as you would schedule your Christmas parties. Keep a log book to remind you of your schedule and to keep yourself motivated.
2. Eat something light before going to a party. This will prevent you from eating a lot during the party itself. Having six small meals in a day is a better strategy than saving up for a big meal for dinner. Going to a Christmas dinner with an empty stomach is a fitness disaster in the making.
3. Stay away from the buffet table or wherever the food is served. The farther you are from the reach of food, the less likely you would go back to the table and have another serving. Join the Christmas games probably to keep you busy.
4. Stay away from alcoholic drinks. Alcohol usually contains as much calories per gram as fat. It also weakens your decision process and you will become less careful in what you will consume at the party. So instead of the cocktail mixes and beer, ask for a diet soda or simply have ice cold water.
5. Just say no when being offered with food. If you think you had enough already, just politely decline. Taking a sample here, or another bite there will still add up to something significant. Before you know it, you are as full as though you’ve eaten a cow.
6. Offer to bring healthy foods. It is a good gesture to bring a healthy food which you could share at the party. Find a recipe that is easy and simple. Your food can even spark some good conversations during the party.
7. Eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the brain to send a signal that we are already full. When eating, take time to chew your food properly and pause between bites to give time for your brain to send those signals that you are already full.
8.Socialize. Get around the room. Catch up with old friends. Meet new acquaintances. Keep you mouth busy by enjoying the company of family and friends rather than busy eating the festive meal.
Finally, it’s ok to indulge and enjoy the food. You may need to load up for a long run or for a major workout the following day. And don’t forget to enjoy the food with those whom you love most. This is the reason why there is feast in the first place.
Happy holidays.
Photo from www.visitstockholm.com
