All too often excess weight is gained over the holidays, which can take months to lose. Focus on the good habits and follow these handy tips to get through the Festivities, without too much extra baggage!!
- Stick as close to your normal routine as possible. Try to have your meals at the same time you had them during the year. If you’re going away, take foods that you know work for you.
- Don’t snack in front of the TV. Mindless eating makes you eat more, without realizing it.
- Get enough sleep. A lack of sleep signals a drop in leptin, the hormone that tells the brain it’s full. And a rise in ghrelin, the hormone that says, “I’m starving”.
- Stop drinking caffeine in the afternoon. Drinking coffee before bed may affect sleep. Drinking your coffee in “bullet” form may help your body absorb it more and do wonders for your energy levels.
- Keep active. Make exercise part of your daily routine. On holiday dancing, walking (on the beach, to the shops, etc) or swimming can fit right into your schedule with little effort. Even a few bicep curls with the shopping packets could work.
- Don’t mistake hunger for thirst. Often you may be thirsty when you think you are hungry. Drinking a glass of water before a meal may also help you eat less.
- Shift rewards from food to activities. Spoiling yourself with a new outfit, a dance class, a new bikini, a painting class, will mean so much more to you than rewarding yourself with a piece of cake.
- Eat before you arrive at a party. By eating a satisfying snack before you arrive at a party or social gathering, you will be less likely to snack on naughty nibbles.
- Bring a plate of food. If you are invited to an event, take a plate of Banting–friendly snacks with you, so that you know there will be something to eat.
- Make it about the guests and not the food. Focus on the guests and all the people you are interacting with to take your mind off the food.
- Use a small plate and a small glass. Using a side plate will help you eat less, but trick you mind into thinking you are eating the same amount. Using a small glass and sipping slowly, will allow you to drink less.
- Fill your glass with lots of ice and dilute drinks. Alcohol can reduce your willpower to make good eating choices. Fill your wine glass with lots of ice or dilute it with sparkling water.
- Eat slowly and enjoy what you’re eating. Don’t think about the next morsel on your plate. Focus on what you are eating and savour all the flavours – you will feel more satisfied.
- Stop eating when you are full. By eating slowly, it will be easier to tell when you are full.
- Relax and have fun. Most importantly, relax and have fun. Recoup for the New Year, enjoy your time with friends and family and try not to put too much pressure on yourself. If you slip up, start again the very next day with your good eating habits
