Is the goose the only thing getting fat this Christmas?
We all like to enjoy ourselves at Christmas don't we? So it goes without saying that we will all indulge more over this time than any other in the year.
As soon as Christmas and New Year is over, we all go into resolution mode and try to rid our bodies of those extra pounds we piled on over the festive period.
But if you exercise a little bit of self control and try to stay as active as possible, that regular resolution to loose weight may not be that tough.
Here are a few tips on how to stay active over the holidays and cunning ways to save a few calories here and there.
1) Start your Christmas day off with a run or brisk walk.
'But how can I spare the time with Christmas dinner to cook for 12 and children opening up their presents at the crack of dawn!' I hear you cry.
Well it may not be possible for all of you but if you get all your veggies prepared the day before and get up nice and early, even if it's just for 20 or 30 minutes. Then I can guarantee you will feel
fantastic and have even more energy for the rest of the day.
Once the children have opened their presents and the turkey is in the oven take the whole family out for a walk. You may even have new bikes or scooters to road test, so get outside.
After lunch is a great time to get out with the family for a good walk and it saves you from falling asleep in front of the Queens speech.
2) Get the whole family involved in playing games.
From charades, to playing with the Eye Toy or Nintendo Wii will all add to burning more calories.
A recent study carried out found that using games consoles such as the Nintendo Wii could shift 27lb (12.25kg) a year as they require players to use body movements to control the action. Although such games should not be a substitute for getting outside and being physically active, they play their part in increasing our energy expenditure. Based on 12.2 hours per week of gaming, research by Liverpool University concluded that a potential 1,830 calories could be burned per week when using the Wii – 40% more than when using a traditional console. Not to mention the fun you will have watching granny beat everyone at tennis.
3) Go to the park or set up a circuit in the garden.
Don't forget that new trampoline you bought the kids for Christmas (but be safe and don't go too mad, remembering to use it one at a time as most trampolining accidents happen when 2 or more people are bouncing on it). Take the kids to the park but don't just stand watching them, get involved in using the equipment too. Any activity that gets you out of puff for 30 mins a day will all go towards keeping you fit and reducing your waistline. But again be sensible, you don't want to get stuck halfway down the toddlers slide.
4) Keep your eyes open for local events such as fun runs in the local park.
The whole family can get involved in these and they are a great way of keeping down the Christmas pounds.
Cunning ways to cut calories from your Christmas Dinner.
There's nothing better than a delicious Christmas lunch – turkey and all the trimmings followed by Christmas pud but this all adds up to about 2,000 calories. If you add to that breakfast, the half a tin of choccy's and the rest of the calories' the average person consumes on Christmas day you are looking at about a whopping 6,000 calories.
Here are a few tips on cutting down those calories.
1) Turkey is a great low fat source of protein that will help to fill you up but you need to go for the lean breast meat. Try not to cover in tons of butter and if you can, resist the skin - do your best.
2) When you plate up your dinner, put veggies on the plate first (this means carrots, broccoli etc) not fat injected roast potatoes. By filling up your plate with veggies there will be less room for the meat which is higher in calories.
3) Talking about those roasted spuds. I know we are all told by the greatest chefs to cover them liberally in goose fat but may I suggest parboiling them first then brush lightly with oil and sprinkle over some balsamic vinegar for a yummy alternative. Don't forget that just 1tbsp of oil contains 100
calories and 11g of fat.
4) Watch your portion sizes and stop when you are full.
If you are going to be eating a lot during the day, try using a smaller plate and take time over your meal and NEVER, I REPEAT NEVER eat while watching the TV, that goes double for your children. If you eat while watching the television you will soon form a habit so that every time you sit down to watch you will want to eat, so always eat sitting at the table it's your FAMILY TIME!
5) Keep a food diary. It may sound a bit extreme to keep a food diary over Christmas, so think of it
as research. I bet you will be amazed and it may just help you to be more careful.
Most people, no matter how good intentioned they are will put on a few pounds at Christmas but if you can be cautious and include plenty of activity in your days you certainly won't put on as much as if you did nothing at all. And if you have been following my advice from the last issue and are losing inches along with the girls then I am sure you don't want to ruin all that great work in only a few days.
I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. I look forward to catching up with you in 2008.
KEEP MOVING! Clare. x.
