3 Tips to Survive Christmas dinner

Well it ’tis the season’ where there are lots of Christmas parties, functions, gatherings with family and friends.  For some it can be a huge setback with their fitness and lifestyle goals if not careful! This is why New Years resolutions seem to be a big trend for people.  They will justify to themselves and say “well when New Year’s comes, I will eat better and workout more.”  The one thing I hate about these New Year resolutions is that it doesn’t have to be the New Year to change your ways.

It can be today or tomorrow. Start by making healthy habits now and changes so you can sustain them into the New Year.  Eating is 80-90% of your success so if anything this is where your major focus should be.  We are creatures of habit so whether it’s making healthy choices for food or implementing some activity into your daily schedule, work in baby steps.  You will be more successful this way.  It is tough for you and the body to completely change the way you eat and how active you are overnight.  This is why new years resolutions often fail unfortunately!

For me my big Christmas dinner will be with family on Saturday.  If you are serious about staying on track but also want to indulge a little bit consider these tips.

1) Do your best to have a healthy food choices for breakfast, lunch, snacks etc.  Make sure you eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, protein and fibre.

2) This is a given but often forgotten, drink plenty of clean water to keep the body hydrated and will curb your hunger as well

3) At dinner time, load up on salad, vegetables. Eat slow and liquify your food as it takes about 20 minutes for your body to recognize it’s actually full. Enjoy your sweet potatoes, turkey, stuffing in moderation! Even though it can be a ‘cheat meal’ for you, don’t over do it.  Especially if you are having a tough time of eating good regularly. I have many clients who get really hard on themselves if they are eating really good and slip up. Eating will never be perfect but just be smart with your choices.

If you decide to enjoy more than you wanted, ensure you get some extra activity in to help burn some of it off! Get outside and play with the kids! Take them tobogganing to force you to run some hills.  Go cross country skiing.  Even go for a walk with your family and close friends to get moving.

I wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.  I hope you have time to spend with family and loved ones in your life!

Here’s a picture from one of my favourite Christmas movies, “National Lampoons Christmas Vacation.”