Parties, family dinners and edible presents – it’s a dieter’s worst time of the year. Christmas and the New Year translate into, what seems like, endless days of eating and drinking without much care for control. Most of us fall off of the wagon and don’t bother getting back on until January 1, when we vow to reach our goal weight when we’re bloated and hung over, writing out our New Year’s resolutions. (It’s not surprising that it’s Personal Trainer Toronto‘s busiest time of the year!) Treating yourself can help to maintain your sanity while you’re dieting, but we tend to go overboard when on holiday, thinking it’s okay since it’s just one or two days and we’ve been good all year.
Binging is not healthy behaviour. It can stretch the stomach, slow the metabolism and make you gain weight more easily, thereby undoing all of the effort you’ve invested thus far. Remember: 3,500 extra calories translates into a pound of weight, and we gain an average of about 1 pound come the first of the new year.
But there’s no need to refuse invitations to parties or turn your nose up at all of the food you’re offered this season. Just follow these tips instead:
1. Nibble on bread and crackers without dips or spreads, or if you have no choice, opt for the lower calorie types made with yogurt or reduced fat ingredients.
2. Spreadable cheese like Brie and Camembert are loaded with fat. Avoid them like the plague!
3. Remove the skin from your Christmas turkey. It’s where most of the calories hide.
4. Pie crust is packed with fat. For a healthier alternative, choose filo pastry instead.
5. White wine has fewer calories than red wine and champagne.
6. Stay away from the buffet table and go mingle, or better yet, get on the dance floor! It’s time to burn some calories!
7. Want to snack on something salty? Replace that handful of chips or salted nuts with pickles or olives instead.
8. For sweets, avoid chocolates (unless dark) and other “creamy” confectionery. They usually have a higher caloric content than candy made from just sugar and flavouring. Choose gummy bears, drops and candy canes.
