Jess Sepel shares secrets to stay healthy over Christmas

With the festive season upon us, many people tend to get carried away with overindulging on the delicious feasts.

Between work parties and boozy catch-ups with friends to the family dinners, it’s easy to binge on foods you never usually eat simply because it’s holiday time.

But you can still enjoy Christmas without completely derailing your diet and workout goals.

Sharing her holiday survival guide, Australian nutritionist Jessica Sepel said it’s all about finding balance.

Here, she shares her secrets for staying healthy over the festive season without feeling wrecked with guilt about treating yourself.

Australian nutritionist Jessica Sepel shares her secrets for staying healthy over Christmas

BEFORE

Start your day with a 30 minute workout, including yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT) or a morning stroll.

The author said it was not ideal to arrive at a party on an empty stomach. 

‘Try your best to eat well before the event. Don’t skip meals because you’ll be having a larger lunch or dinner. This can lead to overeating at the event,’ she said.

She recommends eating a snack, including protein powder smoothie, raw nuts, Greek yoghurt with cinnamon, carrot sticks with hummus or a boiled egg. 

Sharing her holiday survival guide, the Australian nutritionist said it's all about finding balance

Sharing her holiday survival guide, the Australian nutritionist said it’s all about finding balance

The author said you can still enjoy Christmas without completely derailing your diet

The author said you can still enjoy Christmas without completely derailing your diet

DURING

‘Take three deep breathes before your meal and remember the food is not going anywhere. You can eat more later or tomorrow,’ she said. 

She recommends staying away from fried foods or sugary treats.

Ms Sepel said make sure you’re eating a balanced meal, which includes good fats, protein and healthy carbohydrates – and ensure half your plate is green.

‘If you want to try something that you may consider ‘unhealthy’ – do not deprive yourself. Put a small portion of your plate and enjoy it without guilt,’ she said.

And drink wisely. Enjoy two to three alcoholic beverages at an event.

‘Choose red wine or gin, vodka or whiskey with soda water and fresh lemon for a healthier option,’ she advised.

She recommends eating a balanced meal, including good fats, protein and healthy carbohydrates - and ensure half your plate is green

She recommends eating a balanced meal, including good fats, protein and healthy carbohydrates – and ensure half your plate is green

AFTER

She said if people are experiencing any cravings for ‘unhealthy treats’, you can still ‘enjoy a moderate amount’ of it.

‘Remember you will be going back to eating well tomorrow – do not throw in the towel just because you have indulged – your body can handle it,’ she said.

After the feast, Ms Sepel said she enjoys going for a 20 minute walk to digest.



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