The Christmas period can be a lot of fun, but it's also a danger time when it comes to your weight and wellness. The festive season will live up to its name for many, being laden with lunches, late nights and left overs. It's a crazy, busy time catching up with friends and family, and plans to eat well and exercise will often go astray. But a few smart choices and simple tips can help you to stay lean and healthy as the weather hots up.
Here are 10 strategies that allow you to celebrate the holidays and get a healthy start on 2014.
1. Start with a good breakfast
A good breakfast kick-starts your metabolism, and helps to prevent snacking and over-eating for the rest of the day. This is a must for Christmas day, office Christmas parties, or other occasions laced with unhealthy food choices.
2. Plan a picnic
Catch up with friends and family at a location that invites fun and games. Take along a cricket set, kite, Frisbee or soccer ball, and have fun while boosting your fitness. Social gatherings don't just have to revolve around food and drink.
3. Choose quality protein
Lean meats such as turkey, seafood and chicken are high in hunger busting protein, and often feature on the Christmas menu. Choose these over fatty meats such as sausages or salami.
4. Ask and you shall receive
Let loved ones know that you're not keen on alcohol or food as a gift, especially chocolates, biscuits, mince pies, or chocolate coated nuts. Why not ask for gifts that contribute to your health, such as a personal training voucher, herb seedlings, an exercise DVD or healthy recipe book.
5. Drink smart
It’s enjoyable to share a wine or champagne, but keep things under control to keep your weight in check. The following list shows the kilojoule content of some common alcoholic drinks.
Try to choose the lower kilojoule options, keep your portions of wine in check, limit yourself to one-or two-drinks per party, and alternate alcohol with water to keep you hydrated.
6. Get wet
The warmer weather is an ideal time to add some water based exercise to your routine, such as swimming, body boarding or stand-up paddling. The beach is also a great place to catch up, where you can enjoy a walk or swim with friends.
7. Run baby run
Physical activity can help to compensate for any high kilojoule indulgences. Running burns up to three times more kilojoules that walking, which is ideal when you are short on time. Morning walkouts are also a good choice, as they are less likely to be skipped.
8. Just add water
Avoid drinking kilojoules in the form of soft drink, fruit punches, fruit juice, cordials and sports drinks. Use plain water to quench your thirst on a hot summers day, and your waistline will be thankful for it.
9. Have a pre-party snack
Don't arrive at a social gathering hungry, otherwise you'll find it hard to resist all the standard party fare that can go straight to your hips. A few unsalted nuts, a small tub of natural yoghurt or a piece of fruit should help curb your cravings.
10. Take time to chillax
It's a busy time of year, so try not to take on too much. You don't have to say yes to every invitation. Make time to put up your feet, take a bath or read a book in peace. A little you time can help you to calm and in control, and prevent you turning to comfort foods.
How do you avoid gaining weight over the Christmas period?
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