If you’re looking to keep in shape (or even lose a bit of weight) over the Christmas period it can… be tough. There’s food everywhere, and for the most part it’s they’re not the healthiest options.
So, what do you do?
A super simple tip is to eat well before you go out. Now conventional wisdom says you’ll eat twice as much but with a little care (and a lot of listening to your body) you should end up eating less when you go out. And by well I mean lean protein, low G.I. carbohydrates and lots of vegetables (there should be plenty of Brussels sprouts floating around)!
Then you have flexible dieting.
Lets keep it simple and practical.
Say you eat 2000 calories to maintain your weight. If you’re off out in the evening for a meal and think you’re going to eat 1500 calories — then you make sure you’re breakfast and lunch are only 500 calories.
This isn’t an exact science, and it’s not perfect either BUT if you want to eat when you’re out and enjoy the festive season then it’s a perfectly practical option to keep your weight in check.
Just make sure to make the most of those 500 calories, full of nutritional dense foods (think vegetables again) and protein. For the simple reason that the evening is highly likely to be higher on the carb side of things.
Last tip (you can combine all these options) is learn to make healthier choices when you do eat out. Pick the right balance of proteins, carbohydrates and healthy fats. By that I mean lean protein (think chicken breast, turkey, salmon and lean beef), lower G.I. carbs (think brown not white and starchy carbs instead of sugary ones), and by healthy fats you can have salmon and plain nuts (not salted etc).
And lots of vegetables (are you seeing a trend here?) these nutrient rich, low calories foods should become staples of your eating.
Away from the eating side of things don’t forget to keep your body moving.
The gyms might be shut but that’s no excuse.
Make the most of crisp, sunny Winter days and go for a walk, take the stairs and not the escalator when you’re doing your Christmas shopping and squeeze in a few bodyweight exercises (press-ups, chin ups, squats and core work) to keep your body moving.
Christmas doesn’t have to be the overindulgent fest many folk think it is.
Apply these simple tips, keep moving and enjoy!
And if you’re looking for a little help with your eating and exercising come the New Year… get in touch with our team on 01293 552 511.
We have over 40 classes per week, offering 1-2-1 personal training and are here to help!
Now go and have a great Christmas!