Did you know that on average, people gain around 0.5-1kg at Christmas? Well, I know you’re thinking that’s really not so much – but remember, Christmas comes annually! Just to save you the disappointment of a round belly at the end of a fantastic holiday, we put together some ways of enjoying Christmas without the extra fat!
General Pointers:
There are always some general guidelines you should follow when eating in general but these are particularly important in times where a whole lot of delicious food is plunked down in front of you. It is important to recognize when you’re full or no longer hungry – not only will this prevent you eating when you’re already satisfied but it will stop you from feeling really sick after. Eat SLOWLY – it takes 20 mins for your brain to recognize that you’re full and it stops you from looking bloated in your beautiful Christmas frock. Don’t cook for 40 if you’re only having 14 – it’s not good to have cake in the fridge for two weeks – you’re setting yourself up for failure. Last thing – if possible, try hint to friends that you don’t want food as a present – especially if you’ve got lots of friends, this could become a serious problem.
Snacks:
Instead of laying out chocolates, candies and fried treats around the house, why not try out something different this year. Nuts are a great supplement for chocolates and other types of junk food. Not only are they filling, but they are full of vitamins, minerals and most importantly are extremely tasty! If you’ve got an unrelenting sweet tooth, try laying out some dried fruit – these are sure to fix the craving.
Main Course:
Now for the big meal. I know you had your eye set on that gorgeous juicy ham in your supermarket, but I’m here to tell you , it’s a much better idea to go with the turkey sitting next to it. You’d actually be surprised how tasty it can be, plus the health benefits weigh out the costs of going with the ham. Turkey can even generate the increase of serotonin released in the brain – so the family is bound to be happy no matter how much you burn the potatoes! Speaking of potatoes, these little veggies are great for a Christmas dinner. They are very filling, can be cooked in a variety of ways, and are a great source of fibre which you will appreciate at the end of the meal!
And if you burn everything – don’t fret –even your Christmas tree can be eaten and is a good source of Vitamin C!