Don’t be over restrictive and ruin the fun, choose your splurges wisely
back to your healthy habits harder.
“Continue your usual healthy routine to some extent, which will provide a greater sense of control. Keeping active, drinking lots of water and sticking to a healthy breakfast are good examples.
“If you have a healthy relationship with food you should know how to enjoy food, but also know when to stop. Still, it makes sense to plan for times when you will eat more decadently, and compensate with healthier and lighter meals around this,” he said.
Retha Booyens, spokesperson for the Association for Dietetics in South Africa, says it is imperative to remember that good eating behaviour during the festive season is identical to good eating behaviour all year round, with the exception that the temptations are much more.
“Christmas indulgences make it much more difficult to make the healthy choice but keep in mind that it should be a lifestyle and not just a diet.
“A lifestyle approach to the festive season encourages physical activity and healthy food intake, but is also less restrictive in the manner that it allows indulgence and a bit more leniency.”
How can people practise mindful eating this season?
Lee says being mindful about eating means being more aware of why and what you are eating. This includes firstly asking yourself how hungry you really are and what portion sizes should you be serving?
“Then during your meal, eat slowly, enjoying the company around you, paying attention to the taste and smell, and savour each bite instead of racing to finish your meal.
“Mindful eating also involves checking with yourself throughout the meal to assess if you are full and whether you should stop eating. Be aware of mindless eating such as snacking on chocolates, chips or leftover cake just because it’s available!” she says.
In addition to the dietary tips, Eksteen says it’s important to continue some form of physical activity, otherwise you will burn less energy, while consuming more is a perfect recipe for weight gain.
“Many people want a break from their normal schedule, but you can still play games together as a family, swim more and enjoy walks in nature if you’re visiting a scenic place,” he said. INDULGEMENT: Christmas fare
Salads: More: fresh greens, vegetables and fruits, dried fruits (raisins and cherries), unsalted nuts.
Less: salty nuts or seeds, dressings on the salad (rather order on the side).
Lastly, if you are planning to have a high energy meal such as pizza or pasta, try to limit yourself by starting your meal off with a fresh salad or some delicious veggies.
Always keep in mind that at every meal, your plate should be half filled with vegetables or salads, a quarter of starch (the size of your fist) and another quarter with protein (the size of your palm) such as lean meat or beans.