With Christmas day quickly approaching, and with many people wishing to connect with family and friends, there are many social get togethers on offer, including plenty of indulgent food and drink to tempt even the strongest amongst us.
But how do you get through this time without overindulging? Is it even possible to get through this period without a few extra centimetres around the waist?
Depending on your goals and mindset, you can survive the festive season.
Here are 3 tips that can help:
1. Plan ahead
Think about which events you will and won’t attend. It’s okay to NOT accept every invitation; after all, it is one of the busiest times of the year…
Before you arrive, think about what you will and won’t indulge in. Choose healthy options and if possible, eat from a small plate. If choosing a treat, think about the portion size and what feels right for you during that time.
If there are a lot of snacks on offer, reflect on whether you’re able to fill your plate with more vegetable based snacks. On the flipside, can you avoid the fatty, sugary and salty foods? Although these snacks are easy to consume and taste and feel good in the moment, they are not nutrient rich and can leave you feeling sluggish, and less energetic and happy…
Also think about how much you will be drinking. Although sugary drinks and alcohol can initially make you feel relaxed in that moment, these effects quickly wear off and in the long term, these drinks can affect your mood and lead to negative feelings. There are also many hidden calories in both soft drinks and in alcohol, so be prepared to say ‘no’.
Alternate your drinks with water and this will help you drink less. If you think you will be drinking a little too much alcohol, then offer to be the designated driver.
2. Practice mindfulness
Focus on the conversations you’re having with your loved ones and colleagues – you’re there to catch up and socialise.
Practice mindfulness by giving your full attention to the present moment – to the person you’re speaking with without your mind wandering about what you’re going to eat or drink next.
If you’re not having as a good time as you had hoped for, excuse yourself and mingle with others, or worst case scenario leave early. It’s much better to leave early than to be overindulging, and regretting it later.
3. Keep active
Try and do some form of movement every day to boost your mood and metabolism. This will not only help you feel good, but it will also help to burn off some of those extra calories you may be consuming.
Don’t have time to incorporate some physical activity into your day? Try waking up 10 minutes earlier and going for a short walk (or follow a walking session online). Or go for a walk during your lunch break or even suggest a walking meeting!
Keep moving throughout the day by adding incidental exercise into your daily activities.
It’s better to be doing something during this tempting time, than to not be doing any exercise at all.
Be consistent with healthy choices
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can be achieved during the silly season. The key is to be consistent with the choices you make every day, and of course, the occasional treat is fine too, after all, it is the festive season.
Where possible, choose to eat healthy nutritious and filling foods and eat slowly – you’re less likely to go for seconds or overindulge.
Limit your alcohol and sugary drink intake and instead, try and drink some water. Don’t forget to also move your body whenever you can – your overall health and wellbeing will thank you for it!
