Believe it or not today is December 1, 2017.
First official day of our summer, the beginning for many of the Silly Season and the signaling of yet another year coming to its end.
Crazy!
I always find it amusing that there is the pre-christmas surge for catch ups, as though it wont be possible only one month away in January…
So how best do you manage all your lunch, dinner, drinks and party invitations this festive season?
More importantly, how do you survive so that you can come out the other end with your health and waistline intact?
It is timely and of course, following in the true Christmas spirit of giving, to share with you a few strategies that will help both you and your waistline have a lot of fun without the usual fallout!
♥ ALCOHOL: Yes no doubt you will be imbibing more often than not. That’s OK.
Just remember the “one pearl one plain rule”. For every glass of bubbles, pinot, or vodka that you have, ensure you have one glass of water – make it bubbly to keep the festive mood!
On a side note if you don’t want weight gain from this increase of alcohol intake then I suggest you imbibe in clean spirits. Of course the are still calories in there, but without the added sugar ie vodka with a non sugar mixer like soda water. Just add a squeeze of fresh lime. Yum! And the bonus – extra water intake.
You know I’m not all about calories (I’m all about mindful eating) but I do have the motto knowledge is power so hence my list below! **
- 1 vodka & soda: 64 calories
- 1 glass of white wine: 100 calories
- 1 glass of champagne/sparkling wine: 100 calories
- 1 glass of red wine: 120 calories
- 1 full-strength beer (250ml bottle): 155 calories
- 1 gin and tonic: 200 calories
- 1 rum and coke: 248 calories
- 1 espresso martini: 285 calories (seriously yum but lethal 🙂 !!)
*note we are talking standard size drinks here not the restaurant size ones!
♥ Remember also, that alcohol consumption plays havoc with your willpower, and with each glass you have your, will power retreats out the window, scurries down the street and usually is not found until very late the next day! End result, too much Brie, chocolate fudge and/or Christmas cake is consumed and the double barrelled sugar gun plays havoc on your waistline and scales!
♥ If you know drinking a little too much is your forte, perhaps word up your BFF or partner, to play fun police before it’s too late and you end up crying in your glass of stale bubbles…not a good look! And of course, you can thank them in the morning!
♥ FOOD: If you know the party is a drinks party then there will no doubt be lots of yummy nibbles being handed around, and depending on the venue perhaps some not so healthy…you know the ones… of the deep fried variety?
What ever you do – do not arrive on an empty stomach.
Do not arrive hungry!
Eat something healthy before you go, then you wont be so tempted to consume everything in sight. Stay away from the pastry laden treats and indulge in the protein based – prawns, chicken pieces, salmon, beef bites etc etc.
And it goes without saying veggie sticks are your best friend!
♥ When you make the mindful decision to indulge in something sweet…savour and enjoy it….. but perhaps consider just having two or three bites and leave the rest – it is those first bites when it tastes the best and your taste buds explode with delight. Bite 7,8,9,10 etc never taste as good and you probably don’t even notice the flavours. Better in the waste than on your waist.
Now is a good time to download my Mindful Eating Guide – its’ free and gives you the exact steps you need to take to add mindful eating into your everyday.
♥ Remember the basic rules – eat mindfully at all times, breakfast is mandatory, eat when you are hungry and only eat till you are 80% full – or eloquently satisfied – as your grandmother used to say!
Realise that if you have a ‘heavy’ night the night before, then you probably will not be as hungry the next day…pay attention to what your body tells you.
And a great rule to remember… never miss twice.
What does this mean? If you have a big night or big lunch or big day, then don’t do it again at the next meal/day. Go lighter, your body will thank you for it!
And one final tip…
Don’t stress over it!
If you over do it with food and drinks, don’t beat yourself up. Instead look at what was going on, check in to see how you can do it better and do it better next time around.
Life is too short to give yourself a hard time all the time!
Be Healthy, Happy & Amazing!
Caroline x
Image: http://www.lovethispic.com