During the month of December, we tend to consume more food and drinks than usual. Also, during the holidays we tend to put aside our exercise routine to spend time with family and friends, devote more time to leisure and eat carelessly, which translates into a significant weight increase.
Some people manage to maintain their exercise routine and not gain weight, but suffer from indigestion, acid reflux, heartburn, alcohol intoxication, high blood pressure, high blood glucose levels, and even acne outbreaks.
If you want to enjoy the Christmas holidays without remorse or discomfort, take into account these simple tricks:
- Choose the foods you are going to eat wisely. Nuts, for example, are present on every Christmas table and are usually good food.
- Avoid at all costs what you already know causes you discomfort. If you suffer from acid reflux, do not let yourself be tempted by sauces or very fatty foods. It is better to avoid these treats than feel bad the whole evening.
- Make it a goal to eat healthy on as many days as possible. If you do not have an event or party, you can eat the same as usual, even if it is Christmas. If you are going to eat “bad” at night, try to have a healthy breakfast and lunch.
- Don’t throw it all away. If you have been losing weight during the year or improving your health, remember the days of “suffering” you have been going through, and don’t throw all that effort away.
- Select the best foods possible, and if there is nothing “healthy” on the menu, eat a small portion.
- Cook everything differently. If you’re cooking for Christmas, look for a healthy way to prepare traditional meals. Offer low-calorie appetizers; you can make real delicacies based on vegetables and fruits. Not only will you be trying different things, but you will be preserving your health and weight.
- Have fun. Take advantage of events and parties to have fun. Focus on talking, dancing, sharing… and stay away from the food and drink table.
- Control portions. If there are only unhealthy foods, and you feel like eating them, don’t fill your plate. Eat what you want, but control the portions you serve yourself.
- Chew! If you remember that famous axiom of chewing each food 20 times and practice it, you will surely eat less and suffer less digestive problems this Christmas.
- Drink plenty of water. Being dehydrated is akin to being hungry. Also, excessive alcoholic beverages dehydrate the body, so drink plenty of water throughout the day.
- Get moving. You may not have the opportunity to stick to your exercise routine, but almost anywhere and under any circumstances you can walk. Playing team sports can also be a great option when it comes to spending time with friends and family.
- Stay in control at the office. During the holidays, we tend to forget to prepare healthy lunches and bring to the office the leftovers of the heavy meals we eat at Christmas. There are also those who choose to eat out every day because of the special occasion, a habit that not only ruins your wallet, but also harms your health. Plan the meals you will take to the office just like any other day of the year.
Another good way to maintain healthy habits is to make sure you are following a plan. 2PEAK offers a 21-day free trial that will give you a dynamic plan based on your goals. Nutrition planning is also available in 2PEAK.