WINNIPEG — A bite of shortbread and a nibble of chocolate here. A slab of baked brie and a dollop of whipped cream there.
If office holiday parties, family dinners and New Year’s bashes — along with your urge to snack — have you convinced that weight gain and sluggishness are a mandatory part of the festivities, think again.
While many reports assert that the average person packs on at least seven pounds during the winter holiday season, that doesn’t have to be the case.
You can enjoy yourself and stay healthy throughout it all.
Here’s a reminder of how:
Lace Up For Errands
Running to the grocery store to stock up on supplies for a dinner party? Sprinting to the mall to pick up some gifts? Whatever chores you’re doing, lace up your runners while you’re at it and run your errands — literally. Walk as fast as you can from aisle to aisle as you load up your cart; run from store to store in the mall. It all adds up to calories burned and a stronger heart.
It’s All In The Mix
If you must have an alcoholic beverage or two at your office cocktail party, try to stick to clear drinks such as vodka or gin — either straight or mixed with soda water. These will have less calories and sugar than the same drinks mixed with regular pop. Also try to stay away from sweet and/or creamy choices such as Baileys or eggnog. You’re better off ingesting food calories, which are much more satisfying.
One more thing: Remember that alcohol can unleash your appetite as well as dehydrate you. For every glass of booze you consume, take in a glass of water.
Never Leave Home Hungry
Never go to a party starving. Instead, have a small, healthy snack at home that might include whole-grain toast and peanut butter or an apple and a handful of almonds. Eating a well-rounded little meal before you leave home will ensure that you don’t arrive at your party ready to ravage every mini quiche and chocolate truffle in sight.
Stick With Your Exercise Routine
It may seem difficult, but adhering to a daily exercise routine will not only help you get through the holidays physically healthier, but it will also serve as a stress-buster. If you’re too time-strapped to complete an hour-long workout, cut it in half. Just amp up the intensity with interval or circuit training.
Say Yes To Veggies
Try to incorporate colourful vegetables into every meal and snack. When you’re busy, loading up on extra nutrients will ensure that you stay well — especially in the midst of flu season.
Make a Weighty Bet
Get a group of friends together and initiate a contest that will motivate all of you to keep fit: Whoever doesn’t gain weight during the holidays will get a prize.
One Kiss A Day
Maybe you need a sweet fix daily to feel as if you’re in party mode. To help limit yourself, fill each compartment of a weekly pill container with a small, flavour-packed treat such as a Hershey’s Kiss or two. Choose to eat your small treat during a time of day that you can savour it slowly and quietly.
Write It Down
A bite of chocolate or a nibble of a cookie may not seem like a lot of food, but it does add up.
Keep track of exactly what you’re eating by writing it down — either in a notebook or in an online diary. Tally up your food intake at the end of each day, looking at saturated fat, calorie and sugar content. You may be surprised at what you’re really taking in.
Divvy Up Your Plate
You’re bound to come across a dinner buffet during the holiday party season. If so, create imaginary borders on your plate. Dedicate half of the plate to coloured veggies. Designate one-quarter of your plate to meat items. The last quarter of your plate can go to starchy carbohydrates such as beans or rice. Use a small plate when choosing desserts and limit yourself to one or two small items.
Wrap It Up
Are the sweet smells of home baking wafting through your house? Don’t hoard the cookies and cakes you’re making for yourself. Instead, wrap them in beautiful, gift-ready packages complete with cellophane and ribbon. That way, you won’t be tempted to destroy the wrapping and devour them in one sitting.