With party season starting earlier than ever, it’s likely most of us already have a diary chock full of after work soirees and long lunchtime catch ups planned.
Though it might be tempting to sidestep eating well and exercising in the mad rush of it all, according to Nutrition Australia, this period could see as much as a two kilogram weight gain, if we’re not careful.
‘The lead-up to Christmas is such a social time for Australians, but we tend to over-indulge multiple times a week, so it’s much more than just one day,’ dietitian Melanie McGrice told FEMAIL.
From partying strategically to surviving a Christmas Day family feast and beyond, FEMAIL rounds up the best ways to manage this tricky time of year.
‘The lead-up to Christmas is such a social time for Australians, but we tend to over-indulge multiple times a week,’ said dietitian Melanie McGrice (pictured)
CHOOSE CHRISTMAS EVENTS CAREFULLY
With a glut of Christmas events planned and and an endless stream of parties scheduled over the course of a few weeks, it can be difficult to stay disciplined.
‘This time of year is a great time of year to be able to eat lower kilojoule foods and to be able to exercise more,’ said Melanie.
‘But a lot of people get caught up in Christmas festivities they gain weight instead of losing it.’
Her recommendation is to not avoid outings entirely, but instead to choose carefully.
‘There’s nothing wrong with indulging a little for special occasions, but the problem is when we have so many Christmas functions we’re indulging multiple days a week.
‘I always like to try to eat healthily at some parties, and choose a few of my favourites to be able to indulge at,’ she said.
There’s nothing wrong with indulging a little for special occasions, but the problem is when we have so many Christmas functions we’re indulging multiple days a week (stock image)
EAT WELL THROUGHOUT DECEMBER
If people are struggling with their diet over the course of December, it’s entirely possibly this could roll on into January and beyond.
Rather than adhering to a strict plan or abandoning healthy eating altogether, the nutritional expert suggests making every effort to ‘follow the rules’ while still allowing yourself to have a good time.
Her key recommendation to staying on track she said starts with portion control – whether at a pre-Christmas event or celebrating on the day itself.
Melanie’s key recommendation is to practice portion control – whether at a pre-Christmas event or celebrating on the day itself (stock image)
‘The idea of having a Christmas feast is very different to what it was a couple of hundred years ago when people really did save food for weeks in advance to have a Christmas,’ Melanie said.
‘But for us, everyday is like a feast so we really don’t need to have humongous portion sizes to enjoy ourselves.
‘It adds up when we start adding in all the additional snacks, or having really .large portion sizes.’
FOCUS ON THE REASON FOR THE CELEBRATION
While it can be easy to get caught up in the event itself, it’s worth remembering the reason for Christmas celebrations, namely a way to connect with family and friends.
Taking time to eat ‘mindfully’ means becoming aware of what we are eating and noticing when our body has reached satiety – the point when it’s full.
‘When stuffed to exploding that’s when we don’t feel as comfortable and don’t enjoy ourselves as much,’ she said.
‘We really want to savour our meal as opposed to be stuffing down loads of and loads of courses.
‘Yes it’s nice to have those foods but it’s about spending time with friends and family and celebrating the true meaning of Christmas.’
DINE LIGHTLY WHEN POSSIBLE
After Christmas, often fridges can be full to overflowing with leftovers that seem to go on for days, if not weeks.
While it’s tempting to constantly graze through this hazy time, taking a considered approach can serve you well heading into the New Year, said the nutrition expert.
She outlines a way to bring balance back to an eating plan that’s been derailed is to begin by eating healthier meals that are lighter.
While it’s tempting to constantly graze through this hazy time, taking a considered approach can serve you well heading into the New Year, said the nutrition expert (stock image)
‘If you can take control that’s when you have more influence over the types of food that you’re going to be eating and how you’re going to be spending your time.
‘If you have some left over roast meat from Christmas, rather than having a plate of roast meat and fatty sides, mix some through with some salad.
DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
While this might seem obvious given Christmas in Australia hits during the peak of summer, Melanie said staying hydrated is key in helping to avoid overeating.
And given this time of year can sometimes prove fractious, studies show slowly sipping of a glass of water can help calm difficult feelings.
Melanie also adds when we are thirsty we are more likely to turn to alcohol and turn to more food, ‘So drinking plenty of water is important.’
Make a festive alternative by infusing water with cut strawberries, ice and mint, or add edible flower ice cubes for an elegant touch.
Given this time of year can sometimes prove fractious, studies show slowly sipping of a glass of water can help calm difficult feelings.
HOW TO REBOOT YOUR COMMITMENT
Though the above might be good in theory, the practice can sometimes be a little more difficult.
Instead of letting the situation spiral into one that has the potential to become a problem, Melanie suggests taking responsibility as soon as possible.
‘If you are somebody who has gained weight in past Christmases, there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy Christmas without gaining weight,’ she explained.
‘If you are somebody who has gained weight in past Christmas’s there are plenty of ways you can still enjoy Christmas without gaining weight’
If you have well and truly fallen off the wagon, don’t lose hope, the dietitian said. Instead reach out and ask for help.
‘Make an appointment with an accredited professional to get some accountability and some personalised tips.
‘You need to take a little more responsibility, and be more organised and be a bit more proactive with how you deal with the situation.’