Don’t fall into the trap of overeating and drinking this festive season

  For many people, the festive season is a chance to take things slow but be mindful that you don’t let your healthy habits out the window. This according to the Cambridge Weight Plan, a centre based in Parktown, who say they have been successfully helping people lose weight and keep it off for more than 30 years. Renny Letswalo, a managing director at Cambridge Weight Plan said during the festive season, the scale is likely to go up rather than down.

“There seems to be a never-ending amount of food and drink during this time, tempting us to break our own health rules,” said Letswalo. “The silly season can be a nerve-wracking time for people trying to lose weight, so try these tips and tricks to beat the bulge during the holidays.”

Here are Letswalo’s tips you can follow during the holidays:

• Put your food on a smaller plate. Studies show that the bigger the plate, the more food people serve, so opt for the side plate to control your portions.
• Buy healthy snacks. Make sure your fridge is loaded with healthy options to choose from. Apples, yogurt and fresh veggies can ward off hunger pangs and stop you from eating out of boredom.
• Keep exercising. Even if you only schedule short interval training throughout the day, stay active and keep moving.
• Start off strong. Start the day with a healthy breakfast. A bowl of cooked oats will keep you feeling fuller for longer – reducing your chances of overeating.
• Limit your alcohol intake. If you must drink, opt to drink from a tall and narrow glass to drink less. According to studies we consume more liquid when we drink from a short, wide glass compared to a tall and narrow one.
• Avoid mindless eating. Don’t eat while distracted such as when watching TV. Rather sit down at the table to eat which forces you to focus on what you are eating and portion control.

Letswalo said most people overeat as a result of stress and not actual hunger adding that it is because we are biologically wired to reach for comfort food when we are stressed and overwhelmed, which often temporarily takes the edge off. However, she added that the trick lies in breaking the connection between stress and food and replacing comfort eating with something else. Details: Que Lebatha 011 234 0727; que@qlconsulting.co

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