Yep, I find myself being constantly reminded about this upcoming celebration in the shops, on the TV, social media and radio, at work, in the gym and of course every morning, without fail, when the
children wake me giving me the verbal countdown while bouncing on the bed - it was 17 more sleeps from today - that means 9 more sleeps from next Tuesday and 1 more sleep on Christmas Eve night etc etc. Really it is
so much fun, especially when this wake up reminder is at never any later than 5.30am on a dark winter morning!
Well folks, whether you're a huge fan of
Christmas, bells and all or just find it one big stress fest to prepare for, we should all try and slow down and enjoy the day for what it is: time with family and friends and laughing the cares away over good wine and plenty of good food - Just what the Nutritionist and Personal Trainer orders!
And on that note, if you're interested in keeping the energy levels up during the festive season
while keeping weight in check read on....
Two main points:
1) Our favourite Xmas quote:
'It is NOT what happens between Xmas and New Year that matters, it is what happens between New Year and Xmas that
matters!
2) The traditional Christmas dinner is actually very healthy! It’s the ton of pudding, Quality Streets and the booze that often goes with it that needs watching - especially if you are watching your weight
Here are some extra nutrition tips to help you make the most of your Christmas Day without
feeling deprived:
• Eat a protein based breakfast. This will give you lasting energy and prevent the need to snack or majorly overeat later on. Think scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, kippers on a piece of rye bread, 1 cup plain full fat yoghurt with some berries or a little jumbo oat porridge with a handful of nuts/seeds.
• For
canapés or snacks have plenty of raw vegetable crudités prepared and eat them with a tomato salsa type dips or guacamole – homemade is always best!
• When it comes to alcohol, choose dry white or red wine or spirits which are the lowest sugar options. Mixers can be very high in sugar – so try soda water great with a good squeeze of lime. Cocktails and liqueurs are
usually sugar laden so go easy on them. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to keep hydrated.
• Fruit juice, even freshly squeezed and the pure unsweetened varieties will quickly boost your daily sugar and calorie intake more than you think. The average glass of orange juice from concentrate contains 3.5 teaspoons of sugar! Go for fresh fruit instead.
• Aim
to fill 50% of your dinner plate with steamed/boiled veg (above ground not potatoes).25% of the plate protein (meat/turkey/nut loaf) etc and 25% starch e.g. roast potatoes and stuffing etc.
• Finally, get out for walks over the Christmas period. Even 30 minutes will make a difference if you walk briskly enough to work up a slight sweat and an increased heart rate!
Even better, come and see us at the gym ;)
Kim
