Dubai: While it might not be easy to watch what you eat during the holiday season, it is important to curb your food indulgences and take a little care so that your weight-loss plan does not slide back to naught.
Piling on the pounds is not always the norm, but we do tend to have a larger food intake during the festive season. We also tend to exercise less during the season due to all the exciting activities such as turning into couch potatoes to catch those riotous holiday movies with cousins, holiday shopping, partying and festive spreads.
Studies have shown that those who are overweight can put on five or more pounds during the festive season. So is it possible to have your cake and eat it too – to enjoy the holidays without gaining weight? Well as it turns out, it’s fairly simple with a little planning.
Smart tips for weight control
Nutritionist and health coach Marcella Manon says being a little vigilant and taking minor precautions can help you steer clear of excessive weight gain.
“Do not upset your morning routines and stick to a regular breakfast. Studies show that people, who skip breakfast, tend to eat poorly throughout the day. Start your day with some lean protein like an egg white omelette and high fibre cereal like steel cut oats. Both these healthy ingredients will help stabilise your blood sugar and keep you feeling satisfied until at least mid-morning, “ she advises.
Don’t withhold or save your appetite for a big, multi-course meal. Skipping meals and snacks so you can eat more at your holiday dinner is a strategy that always ends up backfiring. You’ll be better off eating a healthy breakfast and lunch, as well as a protein-and fibre-rich mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack, so you won’t be famished, advise health experts. This way when it’s dinner time, you’ll find that taking small portions of your favorite holiday dishes and getting to try everything on the menu is far more satisfying than overdoing it.
The most important thing is to be careful during a family festive lunch. Manon says: “Start your meal with a green salad that has no dressing. Studies have proven that filling yourself with fresh greens can decrease your calorie intake by upto 10 per cent. Make sure you drink a lot of water and do not snack when in fact you are thirsty.”
Choose wisely when eating out
Manon also tells you it is important to exercise a wee bit of discretion when eating out: “You are bound to go for dinners at restaurants, so follow the above rules about salad and water and besides that, skip the bread basket and order some fresh nuts for starters. This is the season for nuts and seeds and try to include these in your diet.”
Manon also advises that one must maintain an exercise regimen. “If you cannot do a regular workout at the gym, try walking around the block where you live and taking the stairs. Make a conscious decision to stay active as that will help you to keep up your metabolism and burn the excess calories.”
What’s a holiday meal without some dessert? Enjoying a dessert on a special occasion can be really satisfying. Manon advises opting for a fresh fruit platter instead of cream cakes and chocolate pastries loaded with calories. If you must indulge your sweet tooth, go for a smaller portion and savour it slowly. And keep the “Three-bite rule” in mind: Take three bites and then put the dessert aside for a few minutes. You’ll find that you are satisfied with just that amount of your dessert.
Bust holiday stress
For those who fret about relatives and are nervous entertainers Manon says these qualities are sure to make you binge. “Stress especially during the holiday season, makes us panic and reach out for the bag of crisps and candies. Keep your stress levels under check and watch what you eat.”
Once the holiday season is over, you can resume your regular healthy eating habits and make the effort to get back to your daily fitness routine.
