Christmas is creeping up. A time of year where there are endless catch-ups, summer barbecues, work events….. the temptation to overindulge and slip into not so healthy habits is at an all time high.
Part of the joy of these events is that they are filled with celebration, friends, family, food and wine. Some people can find it really easy to cruise through this time remaining fit and making good choices around food, but for most of us it can be a struggle to find the right balance. We end up overindulging and our bodies often carry the burden of these choices throughout the summer period.
Eat a balanced meal or snack before you leave for an event.
This can help you control what you can eat at gatherings and limits the potential to overeat once you arrive at an event
Once at the event, try and make wise food choices.
Listen to your stomach, if you don’t feel hungry, try to avoid eating for the sake of it. Limit or avoid deep fried foods such as sausage rolls, spring rolls, pastry items and foods that are high in saturated fats, such as sausages. If you’re hungry, try to stick to options such as sushi, guacamole, sandwiches, frittatas, veggie sticks and healthy dips such as hummus, beetroot and tzatziki.
Pace yourself when it comes to drinking
Alcohol is high in kilojoules and very low in nutrients. It dehydrates us, strips us of our B vitamins (energy) and can make us feel horrendous the next day, which in turn can mean we continue making unhealthy food choices throughout the recovery period. Be mindful of what and how much you’re drinking over this time. Alternate between one glass of an alcoholic beverage and one glass of water every time.
Plan ahead.
If you know you have a busy few day of events over a weekend or towards the end of the week, try and make healthy choices and move your body as much as possible earlier in the week. If you have a string of healthy days under your belt, you’re less likely to overindulge or become unmotivated later in the week.
Keep moving your body.
The festive season is crazy and it can be exhausting. You might not feel like exercising on every day, but anything is better than nothing. A fifteen-minute walk outside or ten-minute stretch is better than nothing.
Get enough sleep.
It might seem insignificant, but we perform at our best and make much healthier choices when we get enough shut eye. Make it a priority, got to bed an hour earlier every night if you know your week ahead is a busy one.
Don’t over-stress and enjoy this festive period.
Steer clear of dieting or restricting certain foods, this is a special time, and you deserve to celebrate. Just be mindful about your overall food and beverage choices, portion sizes and enjoy treats in moderation.