15 Tips to Stay Slim and Fit Over the Holiday Season
Can you believe that Christmas is next week? It has been a difficult year for all of us and I’m glad it is almost over!
Usually, the holiday season is an occasion to bring people together and food is central to the entertainment and socializing. However, this year, it will be different because of the pandemic. That doesn’t mean that you cannot respect your healthy eating habits. A lot of us will be staying home and some people might be bored and eat too much.
I often hear people saying that they gain weight at Christmas time. Please change your way of thinking! If you say that you are going to gain weight, you are going to gain weight! On the other hand, if you say that you are going to keep the weight off and maintain your healthy eating habits for the holiday season, you have a far greater chance of not gaining weight. Slimming down starts from the mind. The more positive your thoughts, the more positive your results. Have you noticed that I don’t say: “lose weight”? When you lose your keys, what do you want? You want to find them and have them back! I’m sure you don’t want your old weight back! Start using different words:
- I’m getting rid of weight
- shredding extra pounds
- dropping weight
- sliming down
- getting thinner
- getting tonner
- getting stronger
- getting fitter
- eating healthier
- choosing a healthy lifestyle for the long haul!
If you want to stay on track with your healthy eating habits during the holiday season, here are some tips:
- Drink 8-oz. /250 mL glass of water before eating a meal or a snack. Remember that 1 tsp of apple cider vinegar before each meal will boost digestion.
- Eat a little snack (hummus with vegetables or a handful of almonds) before you eat the Christmas meal. This will reduce mealtime craving. If you are not starving, you will not eat too much.
- Create a better reason than “the food” to celebrate Christmas. Have fun, play games and enjoy this precious time with your spouse and small family gathering.
- If you want to eat less, choose a smaller plate.
- Limit appetizers/canapés by using a small plate and counting the toothpicks. Choose only the healthier ones such as fresh fruit, vegetables and shrimp cocktail.
- During the Christmas dinner, half of your plate should be vegetables and the turkey should take only 1/4 of your plate.
- Try a little bit of everything and then step away from the buffet.
- Limit yourself to one serving only; do not go back for seconds or thirds!
- Eat with chopsticks! You will eat less and slower. Concentrate on the conversations and the family interactions rather than on the food.
- Make healthier dessert options. Try my chocolate mousse recipe (available here) and prepare a plate of fruit.
- Stay away from the cookies, cakes, and sweets. If you want to try some, savor with very small bites. It is all about moderation:)
- If you are the one inviting and preparing the buffet, try to avoid over tasting everything; 1 or 2 bites is enough.
- Limit alcohol. I like drinking virgin Mojitos to avoid high calories and sugar from alcohol. Read one of my latest blog:
7 Holiday Cocktails to Stay “On Track”
- Make the holiday season memorable for everybody. Play games that require movement and get you out of the chair or off the couch. If the weather co-operates, choose an outdoor activity.
- Reduce the stress and keep the weight off by staying active! Make sure you do 30 minutes of physical activity each day of the holiday. You are not alone! Physically distance, wear your mask and do activities with your neighbor or relatives. Read my latest blog about 40 Winter Activities to Keep your Body and Mind Active.
This year’s festive season will be different for sure. It is a good opportunity to be creative and do something different. I invite you to read: Christmas Bucket List: 50 Fun Holiday Activities & Festive Things to Do. I’m sure in the 50 activities listed you can find something you would like to try. Enjoy the possibilities of this unique time. Be positive! Be active and share your healthy joy with those around you!
Stay safe and healthy and I want to wish you a wonderful holiday season.