Nutrition – Surviving ‘the silly season’

The festive season is nearly upon us and with it comes many challenges if you are focusing on improving your nutrition or trying to lose weight.

At this time of year it’s normal to want to relax and let your hair down but don’t let this take you off track from the progress you may have made throughout the year. It is easy to gain 2-3kgs over Christmas and we all know how hard it is to lose this weight.

Here are some tips to help keep you on track as you navigate your way through ‘the silly season’.

Decide on your goal – weight loss or maintenance. If you have a lot of functions coming up, then it may be more realistic to aim for weight maintenance over this period. If you want to continue with weight loss, then you may need extra strategies to overcome Christmas temptations. A nutritionist can help with a plan to keep you on track.

Stick to regular meals and make sure you are getting enough protein. Don’t be tempted to skip meals because you have overindulged – this will only slow your metabolism down. Christmas treats are often very high in carbohydrates, which can send your blood sugar levels into a spin. Balance this out by getting back on track as soon as possible; eating protein with every meal helps stabilise your blood sugar levels.

We all know about the calories in alcohol but also take into consideration the negative flow-on effects: it compromises your digestion, slows your metabolism down, causes dehydration and can impede your body’s ability to burn fat for up to three days afterwards. Limit your drinking to special occasions and give your liver the chance to keep the fat furnace burning.

Exercise will help reduce stress and increase energy. Keep moving, and work out so you can go out.

Take the focus away from food. As you plan for those festive treats, try to also remember the consequences of overindulging. Focus instead on other pleasures: spending time with friends and family, buying gifts for your loved ones and enjoying outdoor exercise in the sun.

Remember, Christmas is only one day. Don’t let the excesses of the festive season last one month. Focus on your goals and make a conscious decision to put yourself first during this busy time.

By limiting your intake of alcohol and party food you are not depriving yourself – you are giving yourself the gift of good health, which will benefit every area of your life.