The stress of preparing for Christmas, the huge array of delicious-looking festive foods in the shops and restaurants, food gifts we receive as well as the eating behaviour of those around us create a perfect formula for overeating. Many people get to January a fair few pounds heavier and in dire need of a break from all the rich, festive food. If you’re looking to avoid excessive weight gain this year and want to fully enjoy your food whilst not overdoing it, then try out some of the tips below. You can eat mindfully and yet still very much enjoy different festive foods and drink over Christmas without going completely overboard.
Watch your portion sizes
When the Christmas season arrives, it can be easy to overload your plate.
Those who eat larger portions tend to gain weight more easily than those who don’t.
The best way to overcome this is to control portion sizes or use smaller plates.
To determine an appropriate portion size, read food labels and the recommended serving sizes listed on recipes. If you can’t do either, use your best judgment to fill your plate with a reasonable amount of food.
Do not skip any meals 🚫
If you skip a meal such as breakfast, you will surely arrive with more appetite for the Christmas dinner. For this reason, this will lead you to overeat, crave sweets and fats.
Keep in mind that if you have a large dinner, you should not skip breakfast and lunch, just try to eat smaller portions. Without fail, include protein and vegetables so that you can prepare for dinner with a little more carbohydrates.
Control your sugar consumption 🧁
At this time of Christmas, there will be puddings, sweets, desserts and muffins, so try to eat small portions. We recommend serving yourself on a small plate and consuming water to accompany the dessert. Finally, avoid consuming added sugar in other foods and drinks, such as coffee, juices, and cookies.
Beware of alcohol abuse! 🥂
They are liquid calories, and for this reason, you can drink up to 2000 calories in one night. Liquors such as gin, rum, vodka or whiskey, provide you 231 calories in 100 milliliters. So do accounts of what you drink in these seasons! Our recommendation for this Christmas season is that the less alcohol you drink, the better you will feel. Keep in mind, accompany each drink of alcohol with a glass of water; your liver will thank you.
Choose healthy snacks🥗
It is vital to consider the importance of fruits and vegetables; these are the best allies when making a healthy snack or snack. And to maintain adequate weight, they must be part of your meals.
For example, you can eat cherry tomatoes with basil and fresh cheese, banana with peanut butter, pineapple with tajín, there are many combinations you can make, and ensure an adequate supply of vitamins and minerals this season. 🎄
Follow these recommendations and become aware of what you eat, but above all, remember to enjoy these festivities to the fullest with family and friends.
A de Coco wishes you a Merry Christmas!