TRIM THE FAT: Seven tips on how to beat the festive bulge

Avoid the guilt of overindulging and then resorting to the gym afterwards as a New Years resolution.

Here are seven simple tips on how to beat the festive bulge:

1. Be strategic

In all fairness, it is not Christmas day alone that causes us to put on a few extra kilograms, but it’s the run up to the festive season that contributes to this snowball effect. No pun intended. However, staying on the healthy side does not mean missing out: simply plan ahead.

Make a deal with yourself.

Allow yourself three ‘cheat days’ where you can eat whatever you like, (Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day). Afterwards, go back to your regular healthy regime for the rest of the holiday.

2. Skinny up the drinks

Alcohol contains a high calorie count, lowers blood sugar and triggers hunger, making you likely to binge eat at the buffet table.

• To avoid this, have a snack before consuming any alcohol, it allows for slower alcohol absorption.
• Stick to small measures and small glasses of wine.

Should you overindulge on the booze, drink lots of water the next day, and have a high protein breakfast.

3. Fill up on the good stuff

Instead of focusing on what you can’t eat, try emphasising the foods that are good for you.

We all are aware of those Christmas dinners and office party buffets that can get a little bit out of hand. There’s no limit, and we sometimes get so caught up socialising that we can’t keep track of what we’ve eaten.

• Control your portion sizes – protein should be the size of your palm or take up a 1/4 of your plate.
• Vegetables should be twice the amount of your protein.
• Starch portion should be 1/4 (If you’ve taken rice, you don’t have to add potatoes too).
• If you have to season your food, use salt and pepper only. Avoid the gravy.
• Desserts – opt to share with a loved one or colleague.

4. Eat what you love

Don’t eat with your eyes. If you generally don’t love the biscuits your neighbour/ mother-in-law gives you during the festive season, don’t make Christmas an exception. Rather save the calories for something you do love.

5. Go slow

Shovelling down food slows the release of the hormone which helps us feel satisfied. Take smaller bites, eat slowly, chew and taste your food. Avoid sitting in front of the television when eating, and pay attention to your food.

Adopt a one hand rule and thereafter, move away from the container.

6. Walk it off

To prevent from slipping into a food coma after Christmas lunch, take a post-meal walk around the neighbourhood. It helps you burn calories to indulge without guilt later.

7. Sharing is caring

If you’re fortunate enough to receive more than one box of chocolates, you can re-gift them and give to charity or share them with your colleagues.