The 12 better ways of Christmas

With Christmas just around the corner you need to be aware that all the good work you’ve done leading up to Christmas can easily be undone in a few over indulgent and undisciplined days.

This time of year is full of parties, work functions and general social get-togethers however a few small checks put in place now can help you avoid those extra kilograms while still enjoying yourself. I have put together 12 tips to help beat the bulge this festive season. Pick out what works for you and put it into play.

1. Drink plenty of Water – especially with the hot weather in Perth around Christmas time it is vital to keep your water intake up and avoid dehydration. Water will also help suppress your appetite as thirst is often mistaken for hunger.



2. Don’t skip meals – over eating at lunch time and then skipping dinner can actually be counter-productive to your weight loss efforts. Instead try and eat less at main meals and have a small snack between main meal times.



3. Make the activity a priority – although you may have less time on your hands, don’t skip the movement for something less important. Even if you reduce the time from an hour to half an hour that’s better than skipping it altogether. Try a morning bout of activity before you get into your busy day.



4. Exercise with the family – Christmas is a time we generally spend with our family so why not fit some exercise in at the same time. Lots of houses are now embracing the Christmas spirit and decorating their houses with Christmas lights etc so why not take the family for a walk to see the lights.



5. Choose treats wisely – we all enjoy a treat at Christmas time but why not try some healthy treats instead of the sugary processed treats that generally appear. Try a fruit platter instead of lollies or ice cream and popcorn can be a much better alternative to chips and twisties etc.



6. Control your drinking – alcohol is an easy way to pile on empty calories. Avoid mixed and fruity drinks and try having water between drinks or offer to be skipper. Check this out – if you sat on a beer all night around Christmas time and not get caught in a round, no-one would even realise you have only had one beer. There’s the peer pressure argument shot down in flames.



7. Improvise with your exercise – there are many ways to get in some exercise without having to grind it out in the gym. When you’re out doing your Christmas shopping, park at the outside edge of the car park and walk that extra distance to the shops. Take the stairs instead of the lift or elevator, ride your bike to work or take the family for a ride on the weekend.



8. Treat yourself in moderation – we’ve all had a long and busy year and look forward to enjoying some of our favourite foods at Christmas time, so rather than trying to stick to a rigid diet plan and depriving yourself of your favourite foods, allow yourself small portions instead of none at all.



9. Keep up the strength training – it is a well known fact that your metabolism is stimulated by strength training and this stimulation continues long after you finish a high intensity strength workout.



10. Eat before you go out – not always possible, but a good option to avoid over-eating or being forced to eat whatever is on offer at your social venue.



11. Set goals – Christmas is a great time to set some goals and writing down these goals and sharing them with someone will help you keep on track and avoid over indulging.



12. Spread out your meals – try having 6 small meals over the course of a day rather than 3 large meals and don’t eat too fast. Give your stomach time to digest the food and realise that you’re no longer hungry.

Most of all have a safe and wonderful Christmas.