Tips to Avoid Christmas Weight Gain
1. Drink water
Drinking water is imperative to a healthy body, and it can be very effective when avoiding weight gain. If you know you are attending holiday festivities in the evening, drink at least 2L during the day. This will keep your body hydrated if you happen to be drinking alcohol at a party. At the party try to keep a glass of water in your hand – or if you are drinking alcohol, alternate between a glass of water and whatever beverage you are indulging in. This will reduce your hunger, or increase what’s called satiation – the feeling of satisfaction and fullness that terminates a meal1.
2. Don’t linger around snack tables
For many of us eating food is a habitual process. We see food and our hands react before our minds get a chance to think of what we are putting in our bodies. If you plan on eating from the snack table, use a plate – this allows you to see the amount of food you will be consuming. Then relocate to a different area of the party. If you have that water in your hand you will instinctively drink it instead of reaching for another handful of nuts and bolts!
3. Bring your own healthy food dish
Although some hosts may object, most will be thankful that you are offering help. Bring your favourite healthy food dish – maybe a colourful salad with homemade dressing or some hearty veggie chilli. Either way you know there will be a healthy option to fill up on (see next tip)
4. Eat healthy food before indulging in dessert
Avoiding weight loss does not necessarily mean cutting out extra sweets completely. If you eat the healthy options first, you will be less likely to feel the need to fill up on the high-fat, empty-calorie snacks that are so tempting. Scout out the veggie and fruit platters first, as well as any food that is nutrient-rich (like your veggie chilli contribution!). If you must indulge after this, at least you know you have consumed some nutrients that your body can thank you for.
5. Plan ahead and keep track
Before you leave for a holiday party, plan in your head or even on paper what you think you should be consuming. While you are there, make a mental note of every morsel of food that enters your mouth. If you are really ambitious, keep a small notepad and pen in your purse and write it down. Seeing what you are eating can put a stop to unnecessary consumption.
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