How to Eat, Drink & Be Merry (without regret)
Dec 05, 2023
A time for giving,
A time for receiving!
Christmas is a time to spend with family, be with loved ones, eat, drink, and be Merry.
Yet, sadly, every year, we speak to people who have just let loose for the entire month of December and, come January, are carrying an extra half a stone and wish that if they could turn back the clock, they would change some of those choices they made.
Even sadder is that this is often the same conversation they have with themselves yearly.
Don't worry; just like the Elves help Santa every year, we will help support you.
Implement all or even just some of these top tips to indulge without overindulging this festive season and put a big old halt on that usual December weight gain.
Eat: Christmas is a time to be surrounded by tempting Festive favourites.
We certainly don't want you feeling that you can't eat these things either.
There is no need for massive restriction, but instead, let's focus on control.
Plan your meals: Build the meals you control to contain a good palm size and thickness portion of protein and one to two fist-sized portions of fibre (fruit or vegetables) at each meal.
Schedule your treats: Make your festive favs part of your weekly plan. This will remove guilt from eating them and help you keep a lid on how much you consume. Make sure the amount you settle on is realistic (don't say you will have one nibble of a biscuit, but do you need to eat a whole pack to be satisfied?)
Make a list (check it twice): Not to find out if you have been naughty or nice! Writing down what you eat each day will help you be more mindful of your choices and help you stay in control, too.
Drink: Even though I am partial to a small sherry at Christmas, you don't have to go teetotal this year, so don't panic.
Here are three ways you can realistically limit the amount of calories you consume during the festivities (plus a couple of bonus tips, too)
Put a limit on the amount you will consume: The simplest option would be to set a limit on the number of drinks you will have ''I will allow myself to have XYZ''
Stick to one type of drink: This is an excellent option if setting a limit isn't realistic. Pick a lower-calorie option like Gin and a low-calorie tonic or prosecco. This will limit the overall impact of the total calories. Six glasses of wine = 1000. Six glasses of prosecco = 480.
Combine the two: Limit the type of drink and the amount, which will significantly impact the overall calories.
Bonus 1: Have food to eat when you get in: Instead of stopping at the Kebab shop or McDonalds, have something at home to eat (make sure it's appealing; nobody wants a high protein yoghurt when they get in)
A lean bacon sandwich, chicken wrap and oven chips - whatever will satisfy those cravings, but you still have control over them.
Bonus 2: Be prepped for the hangover: Hangovers are about riding your blood sugar. Start your day with beige, simple carbs, and you are on that rollercoaster.
A little prep goes a long way; get some protein and fats in at breakfast to get on an even keel for the day.
A controlled fry-up like turkey/chicken/low-fat pork sausages, lean bacon, eggs and some toast is always a solid option.
Be Merry: Let's remember the magic of the holiday season.
It's time to be spent with loved ones and creating beautiful memories (they can sometimes involve food, too).
We can get so lost sometimes that we need to remember this: use these tips to keep your choices aligned with your values.
Pick your battles: Seeing relatives enjoying a mince pie (or two), playing games, and having fun can 100% be worth that investment of calories. Sitting at home and eating three mince pies and half an advent calendar 'because it's there' really isn't.'
Give gratitude: Keep a journal, there is so much to be grateful for in our homes, jobs, friends and family. Stay calm with the minors when the majors are there to be enjoyed.
Make yourself proud: At some point, you will mess up; at some point, you will have the thought, 'F'it, I will blow it all out until January.' ask yourself these choices: 'Will I be proud of this choice January 1st?' if the answer is no then you can change your choice.
So there you go, a few simple yet very effective tips to help you over the Christmas Season and ready to rip into 2024.
