With the 'silly season' upon us- how will your weight stack up?

Oh the big question - silly season survival.  Can't wait to hear everyones tips.  As a dietitian I try to keep my eating as routine as possible right up to Christmas day for as many meals as I can….I don't suddenly snack on mince pies just because they're in the stores in November.  Jumping on the scales as a quick check once per week is a great idea over Nov-Jan to avoid the kilo creep over Christmas. When a party or BBQ invite comes around I make sure I enjoy myself and indulge a little in festive fare and bubbly…that's what life is for, right?  But I make adjustments if these occasions are thick and fast like eating a lighter lunch, offering to take a signature healthy salad like my Hot Smoked Salmon and Freekeh Nicoise and doing some additional exercise.  I remind myself that it's more about the socialising than eating and drinking. Sometimes I'll wear large, chunky bracelets if it's the second cocktail party that week.  They act as a clinky reminder  to reach for a soda and fresh lime not another canape…..and too talk, laugh and mingle and dance the night away.

Couldn't agree more with Emma. It is important to enjoy Christmas Day, but it is just one day. If you start stocking up on Christmas goodies the moment they arrive in the stores you are setting yourself up for at least a month of indulging. I often say if you are going to indulge, make sure you enjoy it. Save your indulgences for what you really enjoy. If fruit mince pies take your fancy, then make sure you enjoy them. For me, I'd rather skip the pie for the extra glass of bubbly!  

One of my favourite tips is to share Christmas treats with others.  Whenever I'm given chocolates, candy canes or bottles of wine, I take them with me to parties and share them around, and sometimes even donate them to Christmas gift hampers for those less fortunate.  I think at Christmas it's more essential than ever to be vigilent with your portion sizes….



Melanie

http://www.health-kick.com.au

I couldn't agree more with Melanie… Share, share, share!!! Sharing all the goodies means less for you! See less is more!!! I also think we still forget about the calories we drink. If I'm having a drink I always keep track of how much I've had and don't let anyone refill my glass. I want to be in control of what I drink. I also like to mix wine and bubbly with soda water, a great way to reduce calories and alcohol intake. And i set a time in the night that I will stop drinking alcohol and switch to water or a non-alcohol drink, this way you don't get too carried away and keep drinking late into the night.

Dont forget to plan ahead too. When I know I have a party or a get together coming up I plan to exercise that day. It doesn't have to be a super session, a walk, a swim or what ever you can get in.

But it is suppose to be a fun time of year so make sure to relax and treat yourself a little! Enjoy!