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Christmas diet tips to see you through the festive season

Posted by Lynda on December 17th, 2013 (Diet)

Avoid the festive weight gain with these Christmas diet tips, from the dietitians at Hamilton Dietetics in north Sydney.

Christmas is just around the corner.  It’s time for family, lights, decorations, gifts, and a bounty of delicious food. Experts estimate that most people gain one pound (0.5 kg) over the Christmas period, which equates to around 3,500 extra calories in just a couple of weeks.

Of course it needn’t be that way.  With a few simple changes, you can reduce the excess and still have plenty to indulge in over the festive season. Follow these tips, stay active and keep everything in moderation, and you won’t be a part of the Christmas weight gain statistic this year.

1. Plan Ahead.
How you will handle the different events of the season? For non-festive days, plan healthy meals, and get some exercise every day.

2. Have a pre-party healthy snack or meal so hunger won’t rule your choices.
Never go to a party hungry. Snack on hummus and raw veg, poached egg on toast or fruit and yoghurt before you go out.

3. Try not to go overboard.
No need to do without your favourite foods, just take small portions and eat slowly; that way you’ll eat less and savour more. A small taste can satisfy a craving.

4. Feast with your eyes first.
Before eating, see what is being served. If there are raw vegetables or plain seafood, start with those, to take the edge off your appetite.

5. Avoid foods which you can have any time
Avoid things like chocolates or chips, and go with seasonal favourites such as puddings and fruit cakes. Enjoy, but keep portions small.

6. Don’t hover around the food table.
Once you’ve chosen food, take your plate into another room. Try to make only one trip to the food table, and be selective.

7. Hold your drink in your right hand.
Why you say? if you are right-handed (or you’re a lefty) it will make it more difficult to reach for food on impulse.

8. Stop grazing
To stop grazing, snacking or buffet-bashing, chew a piece of sugar-free gum so you’re less likely to put something else in your mouth.

9. Lighten-up your favourite recipes
Use buttermilk or skimmed milk instead of whole milk in mashed potatoes; use herbs, lemon and light vinaigrette to flavour foods, instead of butter, margarine or cream sauces; take the skin off turkey and de-fat gravy before you serve it, and add extra vegetables to your holiday dinner.

10. Plan tempting, yet healthy, substitutions
Grilled shrimp versus deep fried; fresh vegetables with low-fat dips rather than nachos or crisps; salsa instead of a creamy dip; ginger snaps instead of shortbread; sushi, not sausage rolls.

11. Share leftovers
After the party, send leftovers home with friends, or package them into meals and freeze for later.

12. Avoid giving sweets or chocolates as gifts
Better gift ideas could be a potted plant (maybe herbs?), candles or some nice soap.

13. Give guilt a vacation – or else it will just become another holiday stress.
If you overeat, don’t worry. You can get back on track the following day. And remember to take care of yourself. Eat smart, stay active, get enough sleep and enjoy a healthy holiday 🙂

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