Do You Overindulge in the Silly Season?
Christmas is just one day, correct? The 25th of December is a day celebrated by most people in many different ways and typically food is a significant and wonderful part of this celebration. Is it OK to overindulge a little on the day and enjoy some special traditional family foods? Absolutely! But the question is do we all really contain our day of overindulging to Christmas day? Or do most of us catch the ‘silly season’ bug?
Social engagements usually start to crowd our diary from late November. Work Christmas parties, friends and family BBQs, children's school break ups - and that’s all before Christmas day! So, do you manage your health well over the Christmas period? Or, are you someone who works hard all year on a healthy routine only to undo all that hard work and catch the ‘silly season bug’?
Try this advice to stop yourself overindulging this festive season:
Don’t overdose on too many functions and parties
- Be choosy when accepting invitations to events. Only say yes to those you really want to attend, not just because you ‘should do the right thing'.
- When you do accept a ‘top notch’ invite, be picky with what you consume and don’t just nibble for the sake of it. If you're worried there won't be a lot of healthy food on offer, taking a nutritious option is also a great idea!
- Simply telling yourself you will be in control and keep your weight stable this silly season, is a powerful tip! Don’t give yourself permission to gain weight and mindlessly nibble.
- Listen to your real hunger; take a look at our article on controlling non-hungry eating for advice.
Take control of portion size and manage leftovers
- Portion control - cliché but so important. Do yourself a favour and continue to stay diligent in regards to the portions you consume.
- Fill your plate with salad and vegetables first and then add small amounts of the meat and carbohydrate foods.
- Don’t be afraid to throw excess food out if needed or simply just leave it on the plate if you are satisfied. It's OK to say no if you don’t want it.
- You can always utilise leftovers in your next meals, instead of feeling the need to consume it all on one day. Using leftovers for tomorrow’s lunch or dinner is a perfect way to moderate your portion and intake.
- If you’re left with excess food in the house, give away leftovers to guests (be prepared with take away containers)
- Remember to continue to have regular meals and balance your intake with lots of everyday foods and a ‘moderation’ approach to occasional foods.
- Take a look at our article on drinking and Christmas for some fast facts on alcohol and how you can walk away those empty calories!
Also try to keep up your regular exercise pattern and make it a priority even when you're busy. Mindless extras can contribute to weight gain before you know it so keeping active is a great way to keep the balance.
