The festive is here and many of us let go of our healthy lifestyle and succumb to the sweet treats during this time. If you are hoping to look and feel your best this December, there is still time to get on top of your health and fitness regime in earnest to avoid putting on weight over the Christmas period.
Experts suggest that it takes 18 – 21 days to form a new habit. What they don’t always tell you is that the secret to changing your habits lies in your daily routine. Small changes can make a big impact, which can lead to a significant impact in your health and weight in the long term.
Here are a few tips to get to a healthy you and to keep away those extra kilograms as we head towards the holidays.
1. Start a routine exercise plan & keep it short
It is vital that you regularly exercise daily even when the hot weather may make you feel lethargic, or just to prefer relaxing. Even a twenty-minute workout per day will have multiple benefits and make you feel healthier overall.
Doing a yoga class, walking your dog, or even a short swim are great ways to make sure you get your daily workout. You could go for a gentle jog. If you don’t want to leave your home, there are plenty of free exercise videos on YouTube that you can do. Once you know that you have worked hard to exercise, you’ll be less likely to eat fatty foods and undo your hard work.
2. Don’t drink too much festive coffee
With the festive season here one of our favourite coffee shops and brands introduce their Christmas-themed lattes and cappuccinos, which can be quite enticing in their pretty festive cups. But beware, these drinks can contain up to 350 – 400 calories per drink as they often consist of sugar-filled flavoring syrup and full cream milk. Opt for regular coffee, tea, or herbal tea instead.
3. Stock up on the right stuff
There is no need to go to the shops every day. An empty cupboard leads to limited choices, and the temptation to get takeaways. Stock up on all the right and healthy foods that you enjoy. Also, be sure to buy things you can use to whip a light meal together quickly for when you don’t have the time.
4. Avoid takeaways and eating out
Avoid takeaways or eating out for the month leading up to the festive season. Restaurant foods are generally cooked with a lot more oil and cream, to make them look and taste good, leading to a much higher calorie intake, not to mention excessive fat. This will also save you a little money, which is great for the festive season when expenses are higher. If you are eating at a restaurant, try to view the menu before hand so you can be ready with the healthier alternatives offered on their menu.
5. Tell people you’re trying to get lean
If you are trying to slim down, tell your friends and family! It will remove many awkward moments when people are portioning out food when you decline certain things. Plus, if they understand that you are trying to get lean, they are less likely to apply peer pressure to push you to have another slice of cake.
6. Avoid desserts
Think of the end goal. Desserts now may prevent you from reaching your body weight goal. Avoiding them now will make it easier not to have too many during the holiday season. It will also give you something to look forward to. Next time you look at an ice-cream, think of how much more you will enjoy it when you are relaxing with friends and family during the holiday.
7. Cut out alcohol 5 or 6 days a week
Alcohol can be toxic for your body and your liver. Stay clear of drinking that could wreak havoc on your health just before all the parties. Alcoholic drinks are also very high in calories. We are all human and there it is understandable if you look forward to it at the end of the week, but breaking the habit of having it daily will do wonders for your body.
8. Trade off treats
If you are on a medical weight loss program like Slender Wonder, you’ll already have guidelines and what to eat and what not to eat. If you are not, a simple way to lower your calorie intake is to allow yourself one “extra” that is added to your main course meal. For example, the bread roll, or the chip & dip before the meal, never both.
9. Sleep
Sleep plays a huge role in weight gain and weight maintenance. While most people need approximately 8 hours of sleep, each person is different. Ensure that you get at least seven hours of sleep. Sleep helps your body repair efficiently and boosts its resilience.
10. Focus on portion sizes
The size of the portions you eat is almost as important as what you eat. Train yourself to eat moderate portion sizes, and half the battle will be won!
