The festive season is a time for celebration and enjoyment, but it can be a battle to stay in shape. Beating the bulge this Christmas is not impossible, it just takes some common sense and discipline. Here are four easy tips to help you avoid weight gain this Christmas.
- Eat breakfast: Research suggests that those who skip breakfast are more likely to turn to unhealthy snacks later on in the day. A healthy breakfast will boost your metabolism, keep you fuller for longer, and stop you from reaching for sugary foods.
- Use smaller plates: Using a smaller plate at mealtimes can trick the brain into thinking that you have eaten more than you have, helping to reduce overall portion size. Similarly, try cutting down the size of your cutlery; this has been found to help people consume less food.
- Make a plan which includes exercise – before Christmas arrives get into the habit of planning your exercise sessions in advance, this will help you be consistent and keep on track. Exercise not only burns calories but also releases endorphins which can make you feel happier and more positive about the Christmas period. So plan some time for the gym or at home workouts in between all that shopping, eating and socialising!
- Don’t skip meals – if you’re going out for dinner with friends, try not to skip breakfast or lunch so that you are less likely to be starving by dinner time. Also consider sharing a starter or entree with friends as an alternative to ordering a whole main course as well as desserts!
- Avoid alcohol. If you’re trying to lose weight, one of the easiest ways to do so is by cutting out alcohol. Alcohol contains a lot of calories so it can make it harder for you to lose weight if you indulge too much. Also, many people find that drinking alcohol makes them want more food which can lead them to overeating throughout the day. If you want to enjoy a festive drink with your friends or family then try a non-alcoholic substitute instead.
