So, Christmas is around the corner. Christmas parties are in full swing. We’ve got lots of eating out, lots of catch-ups. Here are a couple of tips to stay on track with your health goals.
- Balance your plate.
Make sure that half of your plate is filled up with the salad option or the vegetable option. The protein portions, the roast ham or the meat, fish, chicken makes up about a quarter of your plate, keeping in mind palm size for red meat, full hand of white meat.
The last quarter of your plate is made up of some sort of carbohydrate. Including baked potato or sweet potato. Obviously opt for options that don’t have as much cream or milk-based products like a potato baked, going for something more like a roast potato instead, but keeping the portion size small. That way, you are still enjoying all the components that you enjoy, but just in the right portions.
- Eat with your stomach – not your eyes!
We talk a lot about mindful eating, and that definitely applies during Christmas time. Put your plate down, eat your food, wait 10 to 15 minutes and actually take a second to stop and think, am I satisfied with the meal that I just ate? Or am I still actually hungry? Eating to the point of satisfaction and not to the point of overstuffed or feeling full or sick from your food.
- Be careful about drinking your calories.
We all know alcohol is actually quite high in calories and not very nutrient-dense, which means that you can drink or consume a lot of it and you’re still able to eat. Typically, pre-made or premixed drink options contain a lot of sugar. One exception is often a seltzer – which tends to be lower in sugar. If you do want to have a drink, try a small glass of wine that you can sip slowly and enjoy. Another good way to drink more sensibly during the festive season, is to have a glass of soda water, or water between each beverage. This helps slow down your consumption of alcohol and helps with rehydration.