Want to avoid looking like Santa this festive season? You’re sailing on eating right and exercising daily, then boom — the holidays are here, just waiting to put a kink in your routine! Food is everywhere. Spare time is nowhere. Add this to the emotions and stress of the season, and you’re sure to have a recipe for disastrous weight gain. Here are some tips to help you stay on course of your health goals and celebrate a Healthy Christmas Week!

Tips For a Healthy Christmas Week 

1. Quality Over Quantity: Learn to avoid mindlessly accepting whatever is offered and instead hold out for the snack you value the most, and have just a few. If possible, opt for something baked instead of going for something deep-fried.
2. Eat Slowly. Enjoy. Move away: If your weakness is salted nuts, you can easily eat double the prescribed quantity without noticing. While the fat in nuts is the healthy unsaturated type that doesn’t clog up your arteries, when it comes to your waistline, calories are still calories. Solution? Have a taste, eat it slowly and really enjoy it. “Try to chew your food well, concentrate on the flavour you’re experiencing and appreciate the goodness”. Then, move away from the source so you can’t keep eating more than your fill.
3. Beware of the Buffet: People often look at a buffet as though it’s their last meal on earth. The smartest thing to do when surrounded by so much temptation is to walk around and eye everything first. Then go back and take a bit of what you really like. Before doing so, ask yourself, “Do I really want this?” Avoid the trap of thinking you have to get your money’s worth. If you don’t let it go to waste, it will end up around your waist.
4. Watch Your Drinks: Alcohol plays a big part in Christmas weight gain. Sometimes, when surrounded by family and friends, you might not realize when 1 drink turns into 10. Your best bet is to put a cap on the amount of drinks you’ll have. Limit yourself to 3 drinks and space them out. In fact, if you can dilute your drink with water or ice, go for it! Opting to be the nominated driver might just give you the excuse to not drink at all!
5. Keep Up Some Activity: Did you know that dancing can help you burn off calories. It’s a great way to shake a leg and shake off some extra calories as well. If dancing is not your thing, try brisk walking in the cool early morning breeze. Should work as a good start to the day. Don’t skip a post-dinner stroll with family, friends or your loved one. It can be magical!
6. Make Sure You Log: Logging food, water intake and exercise can keep you accountable. Don’t look at it as a burden. This will help you stay on track and keep an account of what you’ve been eating and drinking. Be honest and log exactly what you eat!
7. Earn Your Treats Before You Indulge: Treats aren’t really enjoyable if they leave you feeling guilty afterward. Eat healthy the day before heading out to a holiday party or work up a sweat before sitting down for a big holiday meal. This will help you feel less guilty and enjoy the movement.
8. Listen to Your Tummy: The human body has an amazing ability to regulate food intake…if we actually listen to it! If you overindulge at a holiday feast, hold off on eating until you truly feel hungry again. Don’t eat just because there’s only one slice of pie left on the table, or because your Christmas Brunch begins at 10 AM. If you’re not hungry, sip on some tea or coffee while everyone else digs in, and make yourself a small plate later. It’ll still be there when your tummy grumbles!
9. Just Say NO to Food Pushers: Food pushers are the people who seem to believe that their holiday celebration isn’t complete until you give in to their food offerings. You know them — the co-worker with a jar of candies, mom with her apple pie, or the friend who won’t let you leave without a plate of cookies. It’s OK to politely say, “No! Thank you!” It won’t hurt your relationship.
10. Just Do It: Schedule your exercise time. Not only will you feel better about the indulgences that come with the holidays, but exercise will also will help relieve holiday stress. Take something out of your schedule if you need to, but not exercise. The endorphins from working out will only boost your holiday spirit!
11. Share the Love: When going to a holiday gathering, bring a healthy dish that everyone can enjoy without feeling guilty.
12. Snack before the party: Avoid going to holiday parties on an empty stomach. Eat a light and healthy snack, such as one with protein, to keep you feeling full before heading out. This will help you avoid overindulging later. Try a protein bar or some nuts and seeds.

We hope you try these tips and tricks to Level Up your holidays! Here’s to a happy and healthier you! If you’re keen on forming healthier resolutions and need motivation to push you through the coming year, subscribe to GOQii’s Personalised Health Coaching here and get the best advice from a certified expert.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

#BeTheForce