Lookout everyone! Here comes that crazy time of year which feels like party after party. While it can be all fun and games at the time, we’re frequently left feeling depressed and blobby at the end. It doesn’t have to be that way.
It all kicks off soon with a flurry of work Christmas dos and catch-ups, followed by Christmas Eve drinks and then the big one – Christmas Day. The day that at some stage of each our lives, has found each and every one of us guilty of trying to consume our own body weight in food and alcohol. And just when you think you’re past the worst of it you get hit by the Boxing Day barbecues. Then comes the New Year’s Eve party and the craziest of us back this up with Perth Cup. Not to mention all the summer festivals and then, to ice the proverbial cake, Australia Day – yet another long barbecue, normally accompanied by copious amounts of alcohol!
This year don’t resign yourself to stacking on kilos and feeling bloated and down in the post party hangover. Avoid stumbling into the party period unawares as you usually do by preparing a game plan to help you tackle the festive season strategically.
Now, don’t go thinking that you have to deprive yourself of all the things we love about the festive season. It’s just about showing a little restraint and enjoying in moderation.
Firstly, stay strong and don’t throw your exercise routine out the window. No matter how busy you think you are, you can still make time. This is the one thing that will help keep the guilt at bay as you reach for seconds or pour another drink. If you don’t have an exercise routine now is the time to start.
Secondly, when it comes to food, think small portions. Don’t be afraid to try everything but remember moderation. Just take a small (tapas-like or entree-sized) sample of your foods of choice. Eat slowly and stop eating long before you get that sick, overstuffed feeling. If you’re still hungry after half an hour, go back for a little more. Often we think these social occasions require us to eat excessive amounts of food, but that’s not the case. It’s time to adjust our thinking.
Thirdly, drink smart. Beers can be carb loaded, pre-mixed drinks tend to be high in calories and cocktails can be high in fat and calories. If you are going to drink why not try mixing your favourite white spirit with soda water and fresh lime (no cordial). There’s a reason it’s referred to as the supermodel’s drink. The nutrition guide on a bottle of soda water is very boring… almost all zeros. Soda water will assist in keeping you hydrated, minimising that dreaded hangover. And, will you actually have less fun if you have five less drinks?
Please remember to drink responsibly. Stay safe and focussed and have a merry Christmas and New Year.
Sav Adele, Workout Savy
