How to survive Christmas without crashing your diet!
It’s Christmas time and the goose is getting fat! Well, hopefully just the goose!
This is a wonderful time of year but it can wreak havoc on our waistlines, crash our diets and make even just maintaining our weight tough going.
It doesn’t have to be difficult if you follow a few little strategies to help you survive the season,
Now I know this is the first Christmas for almost 3 years that we can all be together and have fun, I hear you, but the regret you’ll have when January rolls around is just not worth that extra 17 mini sausages rolls…. Is it? No no no. Take it from me, I never want to miss out and I love my food but with just a simple plan you can too.
So first things first. I do not think we should try and diet over the holiday period. This is a step too far. If you are trying to loose weight then I think the two weeks holiday season should be all about maintaining, ready for a strong weight loss plan in January. I mean, give yourself a fighting chance. Instead of depriving and stressing about every mouthful try and concentrate on other aspects of healthy weight management.
Step two, alcohol. This is an area of calorie intake that can easily sky rocket without much effort. Everyone is clinking glasses and celebrating. Events are happening constantly and can be almost every night of the week.
School mums drinks! Dads night out! Works party! Client events!!!
Arggghhh it’s non stop so try and reduce the overload on calories with simple drink choices. A pint can be over 200 calories whereas a vodka and diet soda can be just 60 so this simple little tip can save shedloads when it comes to nights out.
Next up buffet, this one is an absolute shocker when it comes to calories. Generally packed full of unhealthy choices. Breaded things, fried stuff, pastries and cakes! So with this one an easy cheat is to just visit once! I really mean this. I know it will be hard but if you think about it. A normal meal is just one plate. So make your choices and add a treat or two but just go once. You will be super proud of yourself to have made this decision and will have a little plate of happiness instead of a full bloated belly.
During this season we often miss out on regular gyms visits and workouts so another plan is to add in as many other exercise options instead. Beautiful woodland walks with family can be amazing. Perhaps walk to the shops to buys gifts, or leave the taxi and walk to the party. Picking up more movement can help maintain our weight, reduce our stress and help us to relax.
Lastly I think planning should be your friend during this Christmas. Make sure you prioritise the events you really want to attend, instead of going to everything which might leave you frazzled and fat. Decide who you’d like to spend time with and what options suit you and your healthy Christmas plan. This way you’ll make the most of the events and enjoy them even more.
If you would like more heal planning a healthy Christmas book a free chat with me at sarahstannard.com
Happy Christmas everyone
Sarah xx