Survival Guide – Christmas Without the Weight Gain

Jenelle Croatto APD

Despite our disbelief…Christmas is almost here!  While there still may be a few weeks before we officially go on holiday leave, the opportunity to indulge in gastronomic delights is just around the corner – and I can’t wait to tuck in!

Now before you think this dietitian has gone a little mad, I want you to ponder the concept that the food and lifestyle choices you make between New Years and Christmas, far out weigh those choices you make between Christmas and New Years.

Christmas, and indeed any festive occasion, is certainly a time when we can simply enjoy food for no other reason than pure joy – (isn’t that refreshing to hear!).  That said, this is no excuse for an all out food frenzy.   

This ‘silly season’, embrace the festivities with a healthy amount of holiday cheer, and a game-plan that won’t see you derail your health goals – here are my 5 Top Tips!

Make a Commitment
Rather than surrendering to all manner of seasonal treats, selectively choose a few occasions to relax the way you eat – and then outside of these times, reel it back in.  Whether it be an extra bevvie at your office party or a generous helping of pudding with Christmas lunch… make a plan and stick to it.

Don’t Go Hungry
“Saving your appetite” never works. Never. Forgoing brekkie and lunch, only to arrive at your Christmas party with the appetite of grizzly bear emerging from hibernation, will quickly see you dodge the small talk pleasantries and make a beeline for the buffet.  Your best bet is to eat balanced meals throughout the day and sensibly enjoy the food or nibblies on offer.

Go for Quality
Rather than grazing on Cheezels, just because they’re there… make a solid choice to only eat food that brings you joy.  You have nothing to gain from mindlessly eating food that makes you feel like blah - AND robs your appetite of what you truly desire.  Food is delicious! So make it worth your while and tune into the full experience of eating. 

No to ‘Top-ups’
While you watch what you eat, don’t forget about the booze.  Did you know that the average bar serve of wine or full strength beer contains as much energy found in a tablespoon of butter!  Yikes!  Saying “yes” to top-ups can quickly see those pesky kilos creep on, so make it a rule to finish your glass before accepting another.

The Opportunity to Move!
What if, instead of seeing the holidays as a time to indulge, we viewed it as a time to focus on our wellbeing and to move more!  One of the reasons we struggle with growing waistlines is because we’re busy, run down and can’t always find the time to move.  With a simple change in perspective, the holidays can actually be the perfect time to make your life more active.  Whether it be a game of backyard cricket, a swim at the pool or a balmy evening walk – it all counts.