TIPS ON GETTING THROUGH THE FESTIVE SEASON: preventing weight gain and keeping to your health goals
With all the functions and celebrations over the festive season, it is quite easy to fall into bad habits and overindulge far too often than normal. Before you know it those few excess kilos you tried so hard to lose have suddenly crept back on. Some tips to avoiding weight gain, digestive discomfort and getting through the festive season include:
- Start your morning with one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon with hot water. This helps with digestion and may relieve symptoms such as nausea, heartburn, bloating and belching which are common when you are overindulging.
- Try to have a healthy breakfast, a healthy smoothie/protein shake with berries or eggs with spinach and mushrooms.
- Try to make healthy choices. Try and pack nutritious snacks for when on the go, out and about – protein balls, mini veggie muffins, cut up veggies and fruit.
- Go for the healthy option when eating out. Try not to overindulge on too many fatty, processed foods and sweets. Minimise high starchy foods as much as possible. E.g. potatoes, pasta, lasagne, rice. Eat these in moderation. Swap super sugary treats for healthier options – avocado mouse, coconut yoghurt popsicles.
- Try not to drink too much alcohol. Drink a glass of water between each drink. Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of filtered water per day as this will help eliminate toxins and keep you hydrated during the hot weather. Infuse plain water by adding fresh herbs (such as mint), or lemon, or mint and cucumber. Invest in a good water bottle to have on hand.
- You may want to take digestive enzymes and probiotics with meals as these will help to break down and metabolise food properly so you don’t get digestive upsets such as bloating, wind, constipation etc.
- Increase your exercise, especially if you know you will be eating more food or unhealthy food than normal. Go for an extra walk, or park your car further and walk. Just get out there and move!
- Practise mindfulness and self-care. Be mindful of what you are eating and when. Gatherings can be stressful and cause anxiety, take a walk, take time for a relaxing cup of tea, try deep breathing to help refocus and calm your mind.
