It started with my mum’s ‘White Christmas’ (rice bubbles and white chocolate slice). Then chrissy Champagne cocktails kicked things up a gear.

By New Years’ I had a new friend: the belly bulge. After one week of bad eating?!

Not being a fan of the muffin top, things in my world had to change, and a week or so later (that’s all it takes to shift a festive-eating habit, trust me) a pair of shorts are no longer the enemy lurking in my wardrobe.

My plan of belly attack
I did it by cutting back on the portion size of my dinners – plus keeping them super healthy and unprocessed.

Next: I armed myself with only two snack sources, nuts and fruit. And I cut out the wine on weekdays. At least for most nights.

Finally, I started cycling or walking after work. For fun. (Personally, I don’t really love exercise for pure exercise’s sake – I reckon it has to be fun, relaxing and allow your mind the space to breathe).

But I didn’t do it all once. Just one change per day.

What about you? Have you got your health, or your healthy weight, back on track after the usual xmas indulgences? And if so, how did you pull it off?

If you’re not quite there yet, don’t fret. Try these ideas from weight-loss specialist, Sydney-based dietitian, Geraldine Georgeou:

Protein-ify your meals
“Each meal should include lean protein such as lean red meat, poultry (no skin), seafood such as salmon or tuna (no oil), eggs, a few nuts or low-fat dairy to keep you satisfied and energised.” [source 1a].

Go low on the GI
“Don’t forget to incorporate low glycaemic index carbohydrates which not only allow for long lasting energy but are also usually good sources of fibre.”

These will encourage you to snack less, and sources include brown rice, grainy bread and other unprocessed or less-processed foods. [source 1b].

Ditch the juice
“Avoid juices, cordials and soft drinks as they are high in sugar and kilojoules.”

Look at fat food labels
“Aim for less than 10g of fat per 100g, or less than 10g of fat per serve.”

Listen to your hunger signals
“Don’t just eat food because it is there or for something to do.” 

Parties or dinner parties are important places to heed this advice. Don’t OD on the dips and crackers just because they’re sitting in front of you on a pretty platter! I say this because it’s one of my greatest temptations. Sakatas + brie x 20 = game over.

References available upon request

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Comments

Sorry, Josephine. I called you Megan! :) Rosie, posted 30+ days ago. Report Abuse

Hi Megan, that's true. Winter makes it harder to motivate yourself to stay active and to eat lots of fresh food. My advice here is to stick with soups: a great way to get your veggie intake up and keep your calories down (provided you're not adding lots of cream). And in terms of exercise, depends on where you live. I still walk in winter - I just rug up in more layers that can be stripped off as you warm up. Hope this helps. Best, Rosie. Rosie , posted 30+ days ago. Report Abuse

Hi Rosie, your comments sound like a good start for me for the season, summer just energises you but winter is the hard one for me so keep the comments coming and Ill keep on motivating myself for a better and happier life ahead, thanks once again Josephine, posted 30+ days ago. Report Abuse

hi megan, let us know how you go. if you're a coffee lover, i recommend cutting down before starting the detox. for me, no coffee was the hardest part. my energy was low for the first few days, but i felt amazing by the end! and i lost about 2kg, from memory. Rosie , posted 30+ days ago. Report Abuse

Good luck Megan, sounds like you are off to a good start! Simone, posted 30+ days ago. Report Abuse

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