We all pig out over Christmas and New Years. That was a big generalisation but let’s face it, the majority of us would indulge in

something we wouldn’t ordinarily have at this time of year. Christmas parties, New Years parties, Christmas lunch/dinner Boxing day left-over-eating-fest. Somewhere in there you’re bound to get a little loose with your nutrition morals. As a health and fitness trainer I shouldn’t be speaking with you this way. It should be “abstain, abstain abstain”. But i’m more of a realist. I promote health and fitness, but I don’t promote restricting and missing out on things. I’m handing out free passes over Christmas and New Years, as long as….

 

1. Accept responsibility. If you’re going to eat/drink it just do it and don’t complain/whinge/talk about it for days

about how bad you were.  I don’t want to hear it. Accept that you ate/drank it and move on. Move onto damage control which are included in the points that follow.

2. If you’re splurging on rich, fatty, sugary foods chock full of calories then you’re going to need some deficit days. Yep if you know you have a dinner or party that you want to loosen the reins with you’re going to need to put in a few pre and post party deficit days. These days are full of vegetables, lean meats and plenty of water for hydration. You’ll have to steer clear of processed foods, simple carbohydrates i.e bread pasta etc.

3. Move it! On the day of your event put in a solid effort with your training. I encourgae light exercise like walking the day after the event. Trust me you’ll feel better for it. I’ve trained clients with hangovers before. It’s not pretty but they ALWAYS feel better for getting their body moving.

4. If you’re going to wear a tight outfit you can’t bloat. Stay away from breads, pastas, rice etc. at least a  couple of days before the event. You will feel flatter and your outfit will be more flattering. Celery is a natural diuretic, helps with bloating and fluid retention, so does drinking lots of water so drink up!

5. Keep natural laxatives in your medicine cabinet. Before you freak out, I do not encourage the misuse of laxatives for weight loss. Not at all. When you eat certain foods over the silly season there may be a problem with blockages. You will feel better eliminating this blockage.  Drink lots of water with this!

6. Schedule naps. If you’ve got lots events on take the time to organise some sleep surplus. If you can, have a nap pre party, if not, go to bed earlier the day before to stockpile some sleep. When we’re tired we tend to make poorer food choices and lack the energy to exercise.

7. If you’re going to drink a lot stay away from spirits. They’re generally full of sugar and you usually have them with soft drinks which is full of sugar too. Stick to wine, sparkling wine or beer. Vodka and soda water is an option too (did you know tonic water has more sugar than lemonade??? I was so surprised when I found out! Soda water is ok though)

8. When you get home from a big night always take off your make up and have a shower if you can. Your skin will thank you for it.

9. Sticking to that big night, when you get home have a nice big cup of gatorade or powerade, something to replace your electrolytes. Take 2 panadol and go to bed. You will wake up a lot fresher and be able to do more in your hangover day.

10. Be a sampler not a shoveller. If there are lots of different delicious foods you want to eat. Then eat them. However only eat a very small portion. That way you get to taste all the deliciousness you don’t miss out but you don’t get a sore stomach from forcing all that food in. Try choosing the protein options, you will get full and stay full to avoid later snacking.

 

Enjoy yourself and be prepared for a little weight gain should you over do it. Not being harsh just realistic! You’re in control, have fun 🙂