The season is fast approaching, and with it comes lots of festivities. And rightfully so. Christmas Holidays are a time of celebration and sharing time with loved ones.
There will be lots of food and drink going around, and that is the way it should be. Food is to be celebrated and enjoyed. It brings people together, it joins cultures and most of all it brings happiness.
Today we will share some tips on how to make the most of your holiday “diet”. As previously mentioned there is no need to starve yourself (ever really) but there is also no need to binge out and eat like there is no tomorrow.
If you’ll be staying in a hotel during your travels, you will most likely be making use of the breakfast buffet (lucky you are), but ultimately if you will be catering for yourself or just spending time at home, you can also follow these guidelines:
Although the norm is to fill up on protein and fruits, I have found having a “bigger” and “fattier” breakfast can set you up for a lengthier period without having to eat. You will feel fuller for longer and you will not be craving any of those carby treats at the breakfast buffet. Again this is personal preference and can vary from person to person which will bring us to the next point.
If you are a person enjoying more carbs in general, filling up on protein and fruits at breakfast will do just fine. This will also keep you fuller for longer and can take you well into the afternoon without cravings for snacks.
Watch out for breakfast juices - yes they are “fruit” juices, but they are also loaded with unwanted sugars. If you're craving something sweet, rather get a side plate of fruit and enjoy that guilt free.
For dinner plate up, fill up with protein first, then lots of veg and lastly fats and starchy carbs. YOu can also use the “hand guide” method or the plate method as discussed below.
Make use of the “hand guide” to guide your portion sizes.
Protein = 1 palm size,
Carbs (Starchy) = 1 fist size,
Veggies = 2 fist sizes,
Fats = 1 Thumb size
Plate Method for staying in check include the following:
½ Plate = Veg
¼ Plate = Protein
⅛ Plate = Fat
⅛ Plate = Starchy Carbs
Drink water. A great way to curb cravings is to keep your water intake high during the day. You can also have 1-2 glasses of water before your meal. This will ensure you don’t overload that plate of yours.
Alcohol intake: Be aware of your intake at all times. For good measure always have a glass of water between every “round”. Another great way to keep you going for longer is to “water down” your beverages with some soda water and lots of ice. Adding some soda to wine makes for great spritzers and hits the spot on hot days. Alternatively go for low cal options with light beers. Having sugar free mixers with hard alcohol can also help you keep the calorie game in check.
ALWAYS DRINK RESPONSIBLY. No one likes the drunk uncle or aunt at the party.
Some other useful tips to help you get by include:
Eat Slowly - enjoy your food and enjoy the company at the table.
Eat more veg than fruit -
Choose mostly whole foods and keep processed foods to a minimum
These seem like quite a mouthful, but these tips can help you during the holidays and even long after that. Food is to be celebrated and enjoyed. Cherish those moments around the table for they are far more important than the calories you put into your body.
Merry Chrsitmas and Happy 2022!
Team ADB
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