Today, I want to share with you my Christmas health tips, specifically on how to not gain weight over the holidays!
I completely want you to enjoy this much deserved time, let your hair down, and have fun. After 2020, I think we can safely all agree we need it. Equally, I don’t want you causing so much damage and gaining a load of weight that you’ve then a mountain to climb in the New Year.
So let me share with you my top secrets and tips for not gaining holiday weight.
1. STAY ACTIVE
By far my number 1 tip is that you stay physically active. Preferably do it first thing in the morning so it’s done and dusted. It’s all too easy to hit the snooze button. The minute that alarm button goes off get out of bed pronto. I feel by implementing your exercise first thing you’re less likely to skip it.
Choose whatever form of exercise you fancy, and do a minimum of 20 minutes per day e.g. bodyweight workout, walk, run, online class, etc If you don’t have 20 minutes, even five minutes can help you keep that weight off.
In addition to your morning workout, get outside, and do something active even during the day like a family walk! It all adds up.
2. UP YOUR PROTEIN
Another one of my top Christmas health tips is to focus on more good, quality protein foods.
Turkey is amazing. It’s full of the amino tryptophan, protein, and other amino acids that can really support your immune system, and it can also help improve your mood.
Turkey has many health benefits so when you’re putting together your plate on Christmas Day, have plenty of it. In addition to providing protein with fewer calories and less fat than say beef and tryptophan that helps the body make niacin and serotonin (this boosts your mood), turkey also contains selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
Selenium benefits include its role as a powerful antioxidant that regulates thyroid hormone, metabolism, and reproduction. With almost half of the daily recommended value of selenium in a serving, turkey is an excellent selenium source.
As a food high in phosphorus, turkey also helps the body make protein and use carbs and fats, thus helping prevent weight gain. Turkey’s beneficial B vitamin content namely niacin, vitamin B6, and riboflavin also helps digestion, brain development, immunity, metabolism, and red blood cell production.
It goes without saying – go easy on the gravy, chipolatas, and stuffing but of course, you can have lots of vegetables as long as they’re not drenched in sauces. Lastly, keep an eye on your overall portion sizes.
3. STAY HYDRATED
From the moment you wake up, aim to drink more water. Try and drink between two and four litres a day. Allow yourself the odd treat such as a glass of fizz or wine. By drinking more water you’ll be less likely to go overboard on alcohol and so consume fewer calories! You’ll also avoid the hungover munchies!!!
Last but not least …
ENJOY CHRISTMAS AND ENJOY YOUR FOOD
Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures and it’s there to be enjoyed.
After Christmas Day and Boxing Day, get straight back into the healthy way of living. Don’t let 2 days spiral into many days. That’s a slippery slope.
If you do these three things, you’re not going to pack on loads of weight. And if you do overeat a little bit, that’s ok, don’t beat yourself up — just get back on your horse the next day!
Love Gaynor x
