Healthy Christmas Survival Guide
I’ve heard from a few clients recently who have been doing so well with their healthy goals but are feeling the dread over-indulging at Christmas looming over them. If this is the case for you too, read on! I have some great tips for you.
Did you know the average person eats more than 3 days worth of food on Christmas day!? Ok, firstly, don’t freak out. It’s ok not to treat yourself to a mince pie and a glass of your poison of choice – you don’t want to feel deprived after all.
Remember, Christmas is about spending time with those you love, being grateful for the little things and celebrating your religion or spirituality. Of course good food and fine wine also factors into it, but we do tend to go a little OTT and many of us feel like we’ve wasted all our good efforts for the last few months on a couple of days over-indugling.
Here are my top tips for navigating the holidays, all the while having your cake and eating it!
Eat before you go out
If you have a Christmas party to attend or something similar where you suspect there will be copious amounts of sausage rolls, then try to eat something healthy before you go so you are not ravishing and eating everything in sight (We’ve all been there). If you do arrive hungry, simply scan the buffet for colourful plates and avoid the beige stuff (pastries, sandwiches, crisps etc.).
And remember, if you trying to maintain your weight a lot of snacking often happens before the big meal, adding a load of calories and fat. Try resisting snacking and stick as much as you can to 2 or 3 meals a day.
Keep well hydrated
Hunger and cravings are often mistaken for thirst. Plus alcohol and salt (which are in everything at Christmas) are very dehydrating and it just becomes a vicious circle. Drink at least 1.5 to 2 litres daily (no, mimosas don’t count!).
Portion Control
Make HALF your plate vegetables, not including potatoes. They contain lots of fibre and will fill you up.
And I agree, one of the best things about Christmas is the roast potatoes, but try to take it easy and only have one cupped handful at most, and go easy on the gravy! Stick to these guidelines and you will be on track.
Show off!
Why not make a delicious healthy dish or two for your family this Christmas? You can show them that you can indulge and be healthy, all at once! My Mushroom, Chestnut, Shallot Pie is the bomb. It’s unbelievably satisfying and delicious and every time I make it or teach it at a cooking class, everyone swoons. You must try it! Or why not make all your family members a nice big cold alkalizing smoothie or juice the morning after the night before? 😉
You could also try suggesting olives and nuts instead of crisps and biscuits for canapés?
Don't have seconds
Simples! Treat Christmas dinner as you would any other dinner and stop after one plate. If you are craving more, simply wait 20 minutes (it takes this time for the brain to get the signal that the stomach is full). It truly does work!
Get outside
Go take a long walk instead of collapsing on the sofa. It’s a great way to walk off crimbo dinner too!
Tis' the season to eat, drink & be merry!
But over-indulgence can cause our digestive systems to rebel a little (or a lot) by becoming bloated, constipated, or getting diarhoea or reflux. I recommend you take a good quality probiotic supplement over the holidays every day to keep your gut bacteria happy. I always recommend Wild Nutrition’s Multi Strain Biotic, which works wonders (you can get 10% discount in this store by stating Rose Glover as your practitioner and putting RMG010 – Merry Christmas!).
Remember your why
– I’ve said this before but it’s worth remembering. If your own personal WHY is strong enough, the how will figure itself out. Your mindset is the most important aspect of your wellness plan, because it all starts there. Keep a mental image of where you want to be or have an affirmation on hand for moments of weakness. For example, your affirmation could be:
• I am the creator of my future and driver of my mind. • I let go of unhelpful patterns of behaviour around food. • I allow myself to make choices and decisions for my higher good. • I bring the qualities of fulfilment, happiness and contentment into my life as I am now. • I am truly grateful for my remarkable body I own and all it does for me. • I love my body and I am in control of what I choose to feed it. I am healthy and happy.
Everytime you are tempted by something naughty, ask yourself is the 5 minutes of indulging in one too many mince pies worth sabotaging your goal for – probably not.
Saying that, if you do over-indulge, don’t over re-act. The point of power and control is always in the present moment – there is nothing you can do about the past except reflect on how you would do it differently next time!
Let go of guilt around food
– and remember 2016 is just around the corner and you can get right back on that healthy bandwagon! ENJOY the holidays and remember it is a time for a treat or two if your fancy takes it. Don’t beat yourself up and just stick to one or two guidelines.