How to stay in shape during the holidays?

Holidays are only few days away!

Many of us already started preparation for the family parties. We know what this means - enormous amount of food!

Are you concerned about gaining weight?  

Have you lost several pounds last few months and now are you worried about gaining it back?

You are right to be concerned as temptations are everywhere.  

It gets worst! Our cold climate encourages you to bundle up on your couch and watch a movie. Almost no one wants to go to the fitness club. It’s no wonder so many people have such a difficult time to control the weight during the season of many festivities and parties.

Well, it doesn’t have to be that way!

I’ll be honest, even though it’s my job to encourage you to eat proteins, good fat, less carbs and stay fit all year around, I’m not a fan of depriving yourself during the holiday gathering or at least not completely. 

Below I’m showing you few simple tips how to eat during the holidays so you can still enjoy the seasonal goodies without feeling guilty. 

Here are my tips for being in control!

Eat regular meals

The first mistake, many people do, is avoiding eating all day because a huge holiday dinner will be served later in the afternoon or evening. On the contrary, you should eat regularly throughout the day.

Snacks

For those who are in charge of food preparation, do not forget to have ready snacks, such as crunchy veggies, nuts or my favourite, a hardboiled egg. Do not starve! You will eat less later – that is good.

Meals 

Have your breakfast smoothie, of course with proteins. Eat lunch smaller than usual but also include proteins, healthy fat and veggies.  These meals will help you to burn calories and prevent overeating in the evening time or extra snacking.

Watch these veggies

Eat first salad, meat and cooked vegetables. At the end try some potatoes or beets or squash. In this sequence of eating you will limit them.

Portions

Control your amount of eaten food.

Use rather a side plate than regular dinner plate. Do you know that in America we have much larger dinner plates than in Europe?! No wonder our waist line is expending!

Hydrate 

Have a glass of water handy. Remember for every alcoholic drink you should have a glass (250ml) of filtered water. You can squeeze some lemon or lime for a better taste.  Also drink water before your holiday meal.

Desserts
Enjoy your holiday desserts, but in moderation. Don’t restrict yourself. Have this cheat day on December 25th! One day of indulging is not going to break the results you're getting with your balanced nutrition and fitness plan, as long as you make sure a feast like this is a very rare occasion.

Importance of workout

Just make sure you will go to the gym the day after a holiday party for a super high intensity resistance training workout. In fact, training very hard with weights the day after festive eating will give you the best boost from the super-saturated muscle glycogen in your muscle cells.  

So there you have my best tips for the holidays.

If you like this article please forward it to your family and friends.

Want more tips on eating healthy or how to manage your weight and improve health, please contact me by sending an e-mail m.pawlicka.nutritionist@gmail.com. 

I am here to help YOU!

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Happy Holidays and all the best to you, your family and friends in the year to come!

Cheers!

Maria Pawlicka  M.Sc., BAA, CNP

Certified and Registered Nutritionist