Christmas is just a few days away and a new year is on the horizon!

The holiday season is approaching, and as I prepare to spend time with my family, I want to share some tips on savouring festive foods without compromising your health and physique.

Navigate the Festive Season

Ensure success by planning and clarifying your action strategy. Avoid the post-celebration misery by staying true to your goals without waking up feeling dreadful.

Avoid Hunger Pangs

Opt for regular meals, even if it contradicts extreme diet practices. Starving does more harm than good, especially before holiday events. Imagine starving beforehand and facing a tempting feast – self-control vanishes, leading to overeating!

Strategise Your Meal

As special events involve inevitable indulgence, plan your meal course. Consider what dishes to try, decide on dessert choices, and control drink intake. Having a meal plan guides your choices, promoting prudence and minimizing food waste.

Strategise Your Drinks

Choose lower-calorie alcohol like vodka and gin, steering clear of high-calorie cocktails. A seemingly innocent mojito packs over 250 calories, equivalent to a meal! Wine is a moderate choice, depending on glass size.

Snack wisely

In festive gatherings, the allure of sticking to snacks can be strong. Bite-sized as they are, one might think they won’t contribute to weight gain. Resist the temptation, opt for your regular meals, and you’ll avoid unwarranted indulgences!

Prioritise protein

Plan your holiday meals strategically to avoid weight gain stress. Prioritise proteins from various sources like meat, fish, and even vegetables. Increased protein intake keeps you fuller for longer, making it easier to resist tempting but less nutritious options.

Indulge in moderation

Adopt a moderate approach to enjoyment. Relish unique holiday foods, but stop when satisfied. Return to your regular eating habits at the next meal. If cravings persist, leftovers are always an option.

Stay active

Amidst festive chaos, hitting the gym may not be feasible, but walking is an excellent alternative. Aim for 12-15k steps during the holidays. Make it a family activity and engage in physical movement wherever you are.

Sustain healthy habits

Consistency is paramount in achieving your goals. Whether it’s a festive occasion or not, stick to healthy habits. Consistency fosters mindfulness, making it easier to uphold these habits over time. Clarify your values, be it fat loss, health, or energy, and choices become simpler.

Most crucially

Long-term consistency trumps short-term actions.

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the festivities your way, and I look forward to connecting with you afterward. Best wishes to you, your friends, and family.

Louise xx

As we come to the end of another year, I want to say THANK YOU for being a part of my community! One of my goals for the new year is to start sharing “news you can use” in my weekly blog and a bi-monthly newsletter. If there are topics you’d like me to cover, please contact us.