Health and Fitness

How to avoid overindulging at Christmas and feeling sorry for yourself!

It’s called the ‘silly season’ for a reason but contrary to popular belief, overindulgence over the Christmas period isn’t compulsory! Nobody wants to be a party pooper, but you can have a great time without the massive food and drink hangover when January arrives.

December 2, 2021

Buy less

It can be so easy to fall for the unmissable special offers on food at Christmas and buy the same every year. Try to write a shopping list for what you will need. Add some treats (maybe buy the mini mince pies instead of the full-sized ones and just the one tin of chocolates), but don’t be tempted by the smorgasbord of goodies.

Get enough sleep

Sleep can also be a casualty of Christmas. There are so many events to attend, family to see and movies to watch that you may not be getting your eight hours. Lack of sleep affects appetite hormones, which can cause food cravings and a tendency to overeat.

Don’t forget your fruit and veg

Try to keep up your usual intake of fruit, vegetables, and salad. It’s easy just to go for the fat, sugar, and salt laden options (because it’s Christmas) but at least this will balance them out a bit.  

Drink water

Before you head out to a Christmas event or start eating, have a glass of water. Research shows it can help control your appetite. Alternate water with alcoholic drinks as well.  

Try to stay active

It may be the most hectic time of year but don’t let exercise fall by the wayside. Find ways to work exercise into your busy schedule, like taking the stairs at work, doing an extra lap of the shopping centre while Christmas shopping or busting a few moves on the dance floor at your Christmas party!  

Try to eat less at other times

If you have a few parties or dinners planned, try to adjust what you're eating in your other meals. This could mean having a lighter meal in the evening, like soup, salad, or a sandwich, if you had a big meal earlier in the day. Try to choose options that are low in saturated fat, sugar, and salt.  

Plan ahead

Check the restaurant menu beforehand and try to stick to a healthier option. This way, you won’t panic and just order the same thing as the person sitting next to you. Or, if you are looking forward to enjoying dessert, opt for an entrée instead of a main meal.  

We’re not completely crazy and suggesting that you do all of these, just pick a couple and your body and mind will thank you for it when the new year arrives.

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