[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f like most people you’re feeling concerned about putting on a bit too much weight over the festive season, there’s no need to worry. I’ve outlined below a few simple tips you can implement without having to give up your favourite foods at all!!
Listen to your body
Look, you’re totally capable of identifying if you are full or not. You don’t need to keep on eating until you feel like your trousers are gonna bust open (apart from Christmas dinner, you have to do it then…that’s the rules 😉 ). Seriously though, just because it’s the holiday season doesn’t mean you have to eat like a pig. Have some self control if you want to keep those unwanted pounds off.
Go for a walk
Not only is it a great way to spend time with family and friends (without being surrounded by booze and food), you’ll burn some of those extra calories and let’s be honest here….we’re all going to be way more sedentary than we usually are over the Xmas break. Get yourself up and moving.
Choose the booze wisely!
I’m pretty confident you’re going to have a drink or two (or three or four and on and on….), but you can make smarter choices in what you’re drinking. Opt for clear spirits instead of beer or wine, it contains less calories. Even making a simple swap from full fat coke as your mixer to diet coke or coke zero will make a difference – seriously!
Forwards thinking
I like this one as I think it can really help you to keep your calories under control without too much restriction. Let’s say you are going out for a big dinner with the family, on that day restrict the amount of calories you have before you go. A smaller breakfast than usual, a smaller lunch and no snacks. This will give you more calories available for your indulgent evening and allow you to enjoy yourself whilst keeping you closer to your maintenance calories – winner!
On a side note, if you chose to ignore all of the above it’s cool. Yes you’re likely to gain weight but don’t stress yourself out about it…you won’t gain anything that you can’t knock off in a few weeks of good nutrition and training. Just make sure you know what you need to be doing in order to do it quickly and safely. Not sure where to start? I’ll give you a hint > Click me!
Rich Gunter
Owner Impact Personal Training
