Holiday eating: Go all merry without the weight gain
By Nmami Agarwal 24-Dec 2021 Reading Time: 5 Mins
Ho Ho Ho! It’s festive time and we are binging in the holiday mood. This merrylicious Christmas let’s not worry about weight gain. Act smart in choosing the right food. Whether you are at home, dining out or travelling; be in the diet bubble and yet enjoy your Christmas.
So how can one avoid gaining that extra pound? Here are some easy to go tips to control munching too many calories:
1- Say ‘No’ to sugar – The next few days are going to be loaded with lots of cakes, pastries & cookies. If you eat this throughout the day all the diet regime you have been following will go for a toss. Regulate your sweet cravings and limit it to one small piece in a day. If you are served one portion, take only half.
2- Keep nuts, dry fruits & seeds handy – To avoid munching in between meals, carry dry fruits especially while on holiday as that will increase your fiber intake and avoid unnecessary fats. You can make a combination of walnuts, almonds, raisins, roasted pumpkin seeds and roasted flax seeds along with dry rose petals for added flavor. Mix all well and carry it wherever you go to satiate hunger pangs.
3- Relish on natural food – You don’t need to starve just because you are scared of gaining extra weight. Be mindful in choosing food. Rather than going for processed food & drinks; select fruits, vegetables and natural drinks like fresh fruit juice, fresh lime water or coconut water. Eat more protein rich food like cottage cheese, beans, meat, eggs, etc. as that will help increase your metabolism and control appetite.
4- Reduce your portion size – Don’t stuff your plate with loads of food. Choose smaller plates like the ones used for appetizers & sides. Take food in small quantities and try continuing this throughout. This will keep a check on weight. You can refer to food labels or while dining at a restaurant, read through the menu for calories . Order less variety so that you don’t end up tasting food more. Eat a little before leaving your house so that naturally you feel less hungry.
5- Brush up your cooking style – A little adaptation in your kitchen ingredients & culinary skills will prove beneficial this holiday season. Whether you are cooking for yourself, family or friends; modify recipes with low calorie contents, like:
– use nuts, seeds & jaggery instead of chocolate for making desert
– opt for baked or grilled foods
– use low fat milk
– try using peanut butter
– add herbs to your dish and cut down on salt.
-go sugar free or use honey/jiggery.
6- Never miss your workout regime – Don’t stress on losing weight. Focus on maintaining your weight. Along with eating fewer calories, continue with some physical activity like walking, running, exercise, cycling or yoga. Dancing is the best form of workout to stay fit this party season. So put on your dancing shoes and burn your calories.
7- Stay hydrated – Travelling, partying and guest visits will make you completely exhausted. Stay hydrated to bolster and energize your body. It will help flush out the toxins and detox it naturally. Have water or natural liquids at regular intervals.
Enjoy partying without shifting your focus from your diet. Happy Holidays!