Stay slim at Christmas – our festive eating survival guide
Even the futureproof fitness team admit that Christmas can be the time to over-indulge and eat far more than you would normally, plus the cold winter nights make it even harder to get off that sofa and do some exercise.
If you plan, however, you can enjoy your Christmas food as much as ever, without feeling bloated for two hours after the meal and without feeling guilty for a week!
Here’s our 6 favourite tips for staying slim this Christmas:
1. Don’t go to a Christmas party hungry: one of the most testing times for those trying to lose weight at Christmas, is a buffet party. The contents of an average buffet party are not conducive to weight loss, consisting of dips, crisps, sausage rolls, vol-au-vents, other pastry items, breads and alcohol. It’s easy to consume more than you should without really thinking about it and we often eat faster and more when we are hungry - therefore eat a wholesome breakfast and lunch on the day to avoid overeating at the party.
2. Watch your options: of course treat yourself to a nice drink, dessert, chocolate or sweets without guilt, but always watch your portion size. Go for small portions. This way you can sample all the different foods. Moderation is always the key.
3. Limit high fat items, however tempting! High fat food items can be found in fried food, cream-based soup, cheese-filled casseroles, pies, processed meats such as salami and sausages, some pastries and baked goods. Plus, try and go-easy on the eggnog – it’s made with egg yolk and thick cream!
4. Try other versions of alcohol: instead of beer, cider, Bailey’s and Kahlua, try dry wine, Bloody Marys or spirits with diet mixer which have fewer calories. Remember: Calories from alcohol tend to be stored in the abdomen. People who are overweight actually gain weight more easily when they consume alcohol.
5. Drink plenty of water: overindulging at Christmas on both alcohol and coffee can seriously dehydrate your body.
6. Go for a country Winter walk: finally for a quick and enjoyable way to burn off 400 or so calories, take an hour with friends or family for a Winter walk. There’s nothing more invigorating than a brisk walk on crisp, sunny Winter’s morning.
Season’s Greetings from everyone at futureproof fitness!
