It is now the time of year where unhealthy food and drink can not be avoided! Lots of Christmas party's, meals out and catch up drinks, it is sounding great but you will be disappointed with what the scales say.
So why not enjoy both?...
Enjoy your Christmas occasions and treats but without the guilt!
When going to restaurants you will be unsure of what the food really contains, the calories, the fat and the portion sizes. All those meals out are going to stop you fitting into that new years eve outfit you really want to wear, and we don't want that! Follow my tips, they may just save you those calories you really need this Christmas.
1. Try not to be hungry before you go, as this may make you want a more carbohydrate or fatty based meal. Now I don't mean have a large meal before you go, but by consuming a piece of fruit like an apple will take the edge off your hunger.
2. Starters are a great way to stop you rushing your main and not digesting your food properly, but be careful! Starters maybe small but can contain properties you do not want to be eating. Try ordering soup, not creamy but a vegetable based option. If you are not hungry, skip the starter and go straight for the main. If possible it is worth talking to friends before hand about the amount of courses you are going to be having, this can get you prepared for what's ahead.
3. Top things to avoid!
- Anything fried
- Dressings, butter and cream etc. (Ask for them on the side so you know how much you are going to eat)
- Look for vegetables; dishes with vegetables will fill you up more. Swap the cheese for a green option instead!
- You can always ask to change the style of cooking, if the meat is fried why not ask them to grill it. (no harm in asking)
4. Buffets
Keep an eye on how much you are consuming, buffets are never ending so eat until you feel full not until you think you have paid for it all. Pick your starter, main and dessert and just have that. Do not go up more than three times.
5. Chew your food! Eat slowly, with plenty breaks so you can digest your food better, if you know you are a fast eater get in the habit of putting your knife and fork down more regularly, it doesn't mean your finished but will give your body time to digest and realize it is full. This will save the feeling of over eating. Did you know it takes 20 minutes for your body to know it is full once you have eaten?
6. Choose water instead of alcoholic or fizzy drinks. This might not sound great, but if you are driving it is easy to do, if a cheeky drink is what you fancy go for a spirit (gin, whiskey or vodka) with a low calorie mixer or a small flute of champagne and try have water in between drinks!
7. Choose your restaurants carefully, try not too pick the 'all-you-can-eat' places and go for a place with a varied menu or one that can be fish based (not a chip shop!). Look at the menu before you go, you can see what will be the best option for you. Get your mind set on the dish you will be eating to acquire a taste for it.
8. Try not to eat the freebies. The basket of white rolls will not be a good option to start your meal with, and try to avoid the chocolate mint at the end!
9. Once the food comes, eat your lowest calorie items first. First eat the vegetables this will fill you and you may not need the big roast potato at the end. Remember you do not need to finish everything on your plate, I know for a lot of us it is what we have been taught, but times have changed and so have the difference in foods (and waist lines).
10. Dessert
Think wisely, you may not need it! Still want something sweet? Why not share? If sharing isn't an option try avoid the chocolate fudge and see if there is a sorbet, frozen yogurt or meringue option.
Hope this will help you through the party season, have fun and stay fit!
Richard Taylor Personal Training Club
www.richardtaylorpt.co.uk
"Changing your lifestyle to incorporate exercise and proper nutrition is not easy. But it is definitely a journey with endless rewards that are well worth achieving!
