It’s Christmas party time. Think you can gain those 5-10lbs on just Dec. 25th? Think again. That extra weight stems from an entire month of less than ideal eating choices. First comes your company christmas party, filled with drinks buffets and more drinks. Then your spouses christmas party, then all the little did bits of extra eating when you do your baking. Then you go christmas shopping, mine as well eat at the food court. Then family shows up, more eating more drinking, then Dec 24th Dec 25th Dec 26th. Then a movie night on the 28th then it’s Dec 31st and finally New Years Day! In the course of this calorie, sugar and alcohol packed month it’s no wonder many Canadians gain some weight. You can however make choices and have an action plan in advance before this all goes down hill. Here are a few tips:
1. Plan your week in advance, where will you be, when and what are you going to eat?
2. If you are at a buffet christmas party, limit your drinks to something more manage and fill 3/4 of your plate with veggies and protein…. don’t go back for seconds.
3. Continue to workout, even if they are shortened workouts. Sometimes minimizing damage is a “win”. It all depends on what you want more, progress, maintain, take 1 step back. Ultimately if you don’t decide you run the risk of taking several steps back.
4. Go for a walk after your Christmas dinners.
5. Eat your veggies first.
6. Eat until you are satisfied and not STUFFED – yes be mindful of your eating.
7. Get support from other family members, going into that christmas dinner being the only one eating a single plate of food can be a recipe for being pressured, have at least one ally