It’s started! Supermarkets are playing Xmas carols and their aisles are groaning with tempting goodies. The list of must-do’s before Xmas is getting longer and invitations for catch ups before the 25th are in force.
How can you reduce the chance of your whacking on a couple of kilos of fat before the New Year gets old? In case you are wondering, this is what 2.4 kilos of fat looks like:
It’s not small is it. To gain that amount of fat you need to exceed your maintenance calories by 8,000, which is a mere 571 calories per day extra over two weeks. It sounds like a huge amount of calories, but who hasn’t managed to put on a couple of kilos in less than a month when on holiday?
Over summer, the drinks and nibbles scenario is pretty common. If you consider that your normal dinner is most likely in the 400-600 calorie range (depending on who it is for), then you can see that if you have 2 or 3 beers or wines plus nibbles, then the dinner and possibly dessert or some other kind of after dinner nibbles while at a social occasion, that kind of situation could easily wrack up around 1500 calories.
Do that a few times over the holiday period and that 2.4 kilo piece of fat is coming your way! That’s not taking into account the extra things like Xmas cake, mince pies and other Xmas baking, boxes of chocolates, leftovers from special meals, oh and of course the extra good cheer of bubbles and other drinks. Too easy!
What can you do to help minimise fat gain over the festive season?
If you are invited to a dinner/BBQ, offer to make a green salad and make a big one, so that there is plenty for you to fill half of your plate with.
Or, take a healthy platter, see my suggestions below.
Do not stand near the food table. It is too easy to keep grazing.
Don’t arrive hungry. If it is a late afternoon ‘do’, have a healthy snack before you go and don’t start on the nibbles. Say No. Once you get your hand into the bowl of chips it is all over.
If you don’t want to overindulge with alcohol, take something like sparkling water/soda water/diet ginger beer or similar with you and keep that in your glass. Offer to be the sober driver.
At home, keep your fridge stocked with healthy proteins and lots of salad/veggies and make the most of the berry season.
Avoid grazing, keep to distinct meals and snacks.
Don’t eat if you aren’t hungry. It is too easy to eat just because it is there.
Re-gift unwanted boxes of chocolates etc. Drop them off at your local food bank, old people’s home or similar.
If you are getting up later, consider not eating breakfast and making lunch your first meal.
Aim to exercise every day, preferably before breakfast on an empty stomach. Get it over and done with first thing.
Entertaining Ideas
Check out the snacks and side dishes suggestions on my website here. If you scroll down you will see ideas for savoury and sweet platters too.
Something fairly new that I think is a great idea to take out as a little gift, instead of the old after dinner mints, are the bags of skinny dipped almonds. They come in six varieties, from espresso to chocolate raspberry.
Glenn lost over 10 kilos recently and wrote this for me.
I, initially reluctantly, met with Lynda as my health and wellbeing were being affected by a number of factors including work and lifestyle.
With Lynda’s knowledge and experience, I was able to take and utilise the information and advice to make the necessary changes towards a healthier me. I lost well over 10kgs, achieved with Lynda’s recommended changes to my way of eating and exercise. The changes were easy to accept and sustainable.
The weight loss is just the beginning. It has helped with my overall health and has brought down my blood sugars and cholesterol to healthy levels. Other benefits are better sleeping, no snoring or sore back, and a new wardrobe!
It is always so rewarding to see clients reap the rewards from making lifestyle changes. Eating well isn’t just about dropping fat and fitting into clothes, it is about living your life with the best health you can achieve.
The right food + regular exercise + a positive attitude = winning!
Nutrition gift voucher for Xmas?
If you would like to gift a friend or family member a voucher to come and see me, I can make them up for any number of sessions. Just drop me an email.
Three more working weeks before Xmas!
I know, it seems way too early to be talking like that, but there are only 3 more working weeks before Xmas.
My last day of work will be 22 December. I will do a half day on Saturday 9 January and then be back to normal hours from Tuesday 12 January. My 2021 diary is ready for your booking.
Have a happy and healthy Xmas break and I’ll look forward to catching up with you in the New Year.
