It’s officially the time of year for festive parties, boozy nights, and comfort food.
Despite the excitement to properly celebrate our first Christmas in two years, you may be worried about undoing all the hard work you’ve put into your health and fitness regimes.
In fact, you can still enjoy the festive period without feeling like you need to go on a hardcore diet come January.
To avoid festive weight gain and still enjoy all the festivities, David Stache - Nutritionist for leading sports brand ‘Warrior’ - offers his expert advice on how to indulge the smart way this Christmas, ensuring you go into 2022 feeling like the best version of yourself.
Snack Mindfully
Whilst surrounded by endless mince pies and chocolate selection boxes for the next few weeks, it’s natural to feel like all you will be doing is eating sugar-laden foods until the New Year. However, rather than gorging on all the calorific treats in the build up to Christmas, why not take a step back and think, is it worth it? Is there something else that you could have that will appease you in the same way? There are plenty of treats out there that will satisfy your sweet tooth, without making you feel like you are restricting yourself and piling on the pounds. For example, you could try the delicious high protein, low sugar, bars and flapjacks from Warrior®. These sweet treats are packed with protein and will help you satisfy your sugar cravings, whilst keeping you feeling fuller for longer.
Keep Moving
Our social lives tend to be busier in December, this does not mean your exercise regime should take a back seat. In fact, it’s even more of a reason to maintain your fitness regime as it gives you time solely for yourself to practice self-care during what can often be an overwhelming season. Taking some time out of your day to do a workout or even go for a short walk in your lunch break will make the world of difference, not only to your waistline but also your mind.
Plan Ahead
The festive season is a time for socialising and enjoying delicious food and drinks with friends. So, rather than saying no to plans for fear you might be overdoing it, why not plan ahead? Look at the menu of the restaurant you are going to beforehand to see what you will eat or ask your friend what food they will be serving at their dinner party. This way, you can plan what you are going to eat that day around this to ensure you can really enjoy the meal when you are out without compromising your regime. You don’t need to miss out, just be a bit more mindful during this busy period and more intuitive with your plans.
Think Before You Pick
It’s easy to pick at food when it’s right in front of you, especially at a party or a friend’s house where there are bowls of crisps, chocolates, and nuts laid out. Although picking does not feel like you are eating much, it makes you unaware of just how much you are consuming. That’s not to say that you must not reach for the tasty chocolate that’s staring right at you, as you most definitely deserve it, but it’s to ensure you keep in mind just how many times you’re reaching for the bowl to avoid feeling disappointed in yourself later.
Learn To Say No
Whilst you do not want to miss out on social arrangements because you are trying to avoid festive weight gain, it is acceptable to say ‘no’ to the offer of another glass of wine, or ‘just a bit more’ desert. You should enjoy everything in moderation but it’s important not to feel like you have to say ‘yes’ just because it’s being offered to you. Think to yourself: do I want this? Sometimes, all you need is the company rather than the additional round of drinks or food.
Remember Your Long-Term Goals
The festive season is a time to relax and enjoy yourself, and you deserve to. However, it’s also important to remember your goals and realise that it is only one day, and you do not need to ruin a whole year’s worth of hard work for it. Allowing yourself a few days off- your health and fitness regime is not going to suffer greatly, but make sure you know when to stop and get back on the wagon to avoid giving yourself a hard task in the New Year.
For more information, visit: www.teamwarrior.com
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