The holiday season is a time of celebration for many people, but it can be particularly stressful if you are following a diet and trying to lose weight. Eating healthy during Christmas is difficult, especially when all the food around you looks oh-so-tempting.
But don’t worry! With these helpful tips, surviving Christmas while staying on track with your diet can be a breeze.
7 Tips To Survive Your Diet During Christmas
There’s no better time than the festive season to indulge, but it can be a real challenge if you’re trying to maintain your diet. Here are seven tips to help you stay focused on your health goals without compromising on taste or missing out on the holiday fun:
Tip #1: Plan Ahead
Make a list ahead of time of all the healthy foods you plan to avoid. That way, you can be prepared for any cravings that might come your way. Look up some healthy holiday recipes and stock up on appropriate ingredients.
Work on your mindset, too. Prepare to say no when people try to offer you an unhealthy snack, and keep a supportive environment.
Tip #2: Eat Before You Go
The smartest way not to feel deprived is to have a light snack or meal before you step out for the celebrations. When your stomach gets filled (not full) before attending parties, you can avoid overeating while still enjoying some of the available food.
Tip #3: Fill Your Plate with Greens
Leafy greens are your best bet if you want something nutritious and filling. Spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce are chock-full of minerals and vitamins that will help keep your energy levels up during the holiday season.
Be sure to fill at least half your plate with these nutrient-dense foods so you don’t go overboard with unhealthy choices like white carbs or sugar. Bonus tip: top it off with a splash of olive oil for some extra flavour.
Tip #4: Don’t Skip Meals Throughout the Day
While it may be tempting to skip meals due to all those Christmas goodies, it can be counterproductive since it makes us prone to binge eating later on. To avoid this dangerous cycle, spread out small meals throughout the day.
Eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner as scheduled, but stick to sensible portions each time instead of a single large meal.
Tip #5: Drink Water Wisely
Water is of utmost importance when it comes to weight management. There can’t be too much emphasis on its significance. It helps flush out harmful toxins from the body, lubricates joints and aids in digestion.
Ideally, you should drink eight glasses of water daily, but the Christmas season brings along some cold weather that calls for more intake since your body needs replenishment.
Don’t think twice about gulping down a few glasses at dinner before you hit the treats.
Tip #6: Get Active with Friends & Family
It’s true that food isn’t everything about Christmas – spending quality time with friends and family plays an important role, too! So why not get active instead?
This could mean organizing sports matches, taking a stroll while singing carols under the moonlit sky, playing fun kitchen games or maybe going skiing. These activities are great exercise and put everyone in a better mood!
Tip #7: Be Kind To Yourself
If you slip up and overeat one day, don’t be too hard on yourself. Just remember that tomorrow brings a fresh start. We all have cravings sometimes, so forgiveness is key to keeping morale high while going through this journey of a healthy lifestyle. Go easy on yourself this year – no one’s perfect.
Bottom Line
The festive season can prove tricky if you’re following a diet, but it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Remember these tips while preparing for Christmas:
- Plan ahead
- Fill your plate with greens
- Drink water
- Plan some physical activity with family and friends
- Keep yourself away from unhealthy triggers
- Be kind to yourself
If you are looking for guidance in weight loss or more tips on managing a healthy diet without compromising on taste – get in touch with us at Calgary Integrative Medicine! Our medical professionals are always around to help you through your weight loss journey and lead a healthful life this Christmas season.
