Festive feasts: The best ways to beat the Christmas bulge

Experts estimate that the average weight gain during the holiday season is between one and four kilograms.

18:33 22 December 2014

Here are some foolproof ways on how to avoid gaining unwanted additional weight during food-heavy the holiday season:

1.    Stick to your health-conscious attitude. A lot of people spend their entire year getting in shape only to indulge during the holidays. If you don’t want to wake up in 2015 feeling frustrated, stay health-conscious even with parties and food around you.

2.    Create a strategy. Although it’s okay to indulge once in a while, make sure that you do not let yourself go for the entire month. Sure, you can increase your food and even alcohol intake during Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and even New Year. But make sure that you scale back for the rest of the holiday season.

3.    Limit festive drink intakes. Stick to single measures and small glasses of wine to limit your calorie intakes.

4.    Be smart at the buffet table. Think twice when choosing your food. Instead of sausage rolls and other stodge, feast on fish, pastry free meat, vegetables, and fruits.

5.    Stick with veggies and fruits. Whether you’re going to a Christmas party or buffet, stick with healthy food so you don’t have to worry about gaining unwanted pounds.

6.    Stick with your healthy habits. Even during holiday season, don’t forget to eat your breakfast and lunch so you will not feel extremely hungry during parties and Christmas dinners whereby you’ll more than likely go overboard. Also, find time to exercise as you would throughout the year.

7.    Eat what you love. It’s okay to reward yourself during holiday seasons. So, eat the food that you really love but in do so in moderation – the waistline will remain intact but it’ll still feel like a special treat.

8.    Avoid mindless eating. Be mindful of what you eat and if needed, count the number of calories. Set yourself a limit and stick to it.

9.    Exercise. You want to indulge on food and drinks this holiday season? Then, earn it. Do plenty of exercises to burn calories. This is an especially good tool if you notice that you’re going over your food allowance.

10.    Share your food. Instead of gaining unwanted pounds from eating leftovers, share your food with those who are less fortunate. That way everybody feels better.