It’s the time of the year when you want to relax, be off work and enjoy the sun along with the festive season!!
Between all the celebrations, overseas travel, family and friends visiting; it is really hard to resist the urge to dig in to delicatessen, resulting in weight gain that you would have probably fought throughout the year.
Its quite natural for your body to react to a change in circumstances, this could be triggered by the food you eat over the next few weeks, your lifestyle and your moods and what you might drink even, and here I am referring to alcohol.
One barely thinks about losing weight during holidays and it is a possibility that we might even get back to work with a few additional kilos.
Consciously or subconsciously we indulge in treats, this is not really your fault but it is the season moods to be blamed ………..it’s the time where you have boxes of chocolates, cakes, baking and all sorts of treats from family and friends.
What do we do to get it all in control?
We realise that it is not possible to avoid situations during this time, but let us aim to just maintain yourself to what you are at the moment and keep away any weight gain as far as possible.
Exercise may not fit your plans, but even a walk at the beach, a swim or playing with kids at the park can add to some activity. Stretching out at home or shaking a leg on some music of your choice can take the pressure off you and make you feel less guilty.
Above all the hardest bit is the discipline with food.
It’s always good to try a few tips which can be helpful and avoid the emotional turmoil you may go through when the fun is over and when you stand on the scale to find a few more kilos.
Replace the fried variety with healthier options like the tandoor grilled, keep the butter away from the naan, cream from the vegetarian curries and second helpings, choose low calorie drinks and go slow with alcohol, drink responsibly. Avoid extras if possible, always ensure you have a salad on the side at home or at the restaurant – it makes the difference.
Mind those sweets...these can cause a huge dent. Indulging in these each day of the week for the next few weeks can definitely not let you fit in the same size dress when the season ends.
Enjoy the weather, the holidays with your family and the festive season but watch what you do and eat. Aim to keep your weight the same and drink heaps of water to be hydrated over the summer season.
Enjoy the festive season and to make this season more special, we are giving away a handsome discount on your first consultation in the New Year *. For further details email me on varsha@varshaasrani.com.
This article is a general guideline ONLY. Please see a health professional for individual conditions and needs.
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Varsha Asrani is a New Zealand Registered Dietitian. For personal consultations she can be contacted on 0210524353. For any questions, suggestions or views please email her on info@varshaasrani.com.
* Conditions Apply