Renée’s Blog   •   October 31, 2018

It’s Christmas Time!! And finally, time to end off the year with some friends and family, around good food and fun adventures.
Obviously, I would never EVER recommend any one to take on any strict diets over the festive season, unless you have some health issues caused by being overweight (or underweight). If for medical reasons you need to follow a strict diet, then please, stick to it 110% and do as you doctor say.
For the rest of you, you’ve worked so hard during the year to get in shape for the festive season, it will be such a waste if you go and throw it all away now. But still, NO dieting please! You will be surrounded by fun treats and drinks, and big celebrations. It will not be a good idea to restrict yourself. If you are not strong enough, it will lead to disastrous binge eating, on high calorie holiday foods and drinks. I still need you to cut back on some calories though, and here’s how:

Tip #1: Hydration

It’s simple – If you keep your tummy full of water, there is no space for all the good food and drinks. So, my rule is, with EVERY meal, snack, or drink, have a full glass of water. It will fill you up and keep you from overindulging, and also keep you sober for longer so you make better food choices. I know, SUPER boring right? And we’ve all heard this SO many times. Just try it. Water does not only work wonders for your digestion, but being hydrated also keeps your energy levels up, lets you sleep better at night, and gives you smooth glowing skin by flushing out all the toxins. In the end, you’ll feel great throughout the whole festive season.

Tip #2: Protein

Try adding some protein to every single meal. Always go for eggs, meats, yoghurts, nuts, etc. Anything with protein and fats will fill you up, and use more energy to digest and in the end, you’ll eat less and burn more. Want some of mom’s home baked bread? Go for it! Just add some protein and you are good to go. Chances are if you have the bread just on its own, then you might have too much, or go back for more a few minutes later. Protein is your friend when it comes to keeping the calories in place.

Tip #3: Eat only when hungry

>This is a hard one… If that piece of cheesecake was an apple, would you still eat it? If not, then you are not hungry. Really focus on your body’s signals for hunger. Tummy growling can mean two things, either you need food, or you need water. The moment you start eating when you are not hungry, that’s when the unnecessary weight gain starts. But, if it’s time to eat, and you really are hungry, and the only food available is festive goodies, have at it! Feeding your hunger is perfectly fine. Unnecessary snacking – disaster!

Tip #4: Walk, walk, walk

So, I am the kind of trainer that gives my clients compulsory homework over the holidays. It’s just so when they do find the time or motivation to do it, they have a plan and can get it done. YOU know it is holiday, but does your body know it is holiday? For your digestive system, it’s just another day of calories in, and calories out. But don’t be too hard on yourself if you can’t find the time to exercise. Walking is GREAT, so make time for it every day! You’ll be surprised with how many calories you can burn after a days walking and spending time outside in the sun. Just get up everyday and WALK.

Tip #5: Get enough sleep

Sleep. Sounds easy right? Try and track how many hours you usually sleep per night. During the holidays our sleeping patterns and routines are sometimes way out of control. See if you can get more or less the same amount of sleep your body is used to, or maybe even more if possible. Lack of sleep can cause unwanted weight gain, and can also lead to a very tired and fatigued body. A tired body craves high energy foods, and before you know it you are snacking on chocolates instead of fresh fruits and salads for energy.

Tip #6: Don’t ignore cravings

By now you should be able to distinguish between actual cravings or just wanting something because it’s there. If you really crave something sweet, chances are your body needs energy. So, instead of trying to be strong and going for a salad, go for what your body wants – sugar. A boring salad will not satisfy that craving, so eventually you’ll end up having something sweet anyway, with the added calories of the healthier foods you ate instead of feeding the craving. Just go for something sweet, but the best option possible – natural sugars instead of refined is the best! Have it, and go on with your life. No need to feel guilty when satisfying a craving with the healthiest option around.

Tip #7: Go to the party

The worst thing you can do, is avoiding parties or events on holidays, just so you won’t have to see all the yummy treats and drinks. You’ll end up sad and alone, and missing out on making memories with friends and family. Don’t let food control you. YOU are in control and know what to do. Yummy foods and drinks will never go out of fashion, they are always around. So going to a party and saying no to a few good treats, and enjoying some here and there, will harm no one. Stay focussed on the amounts you are consuming, and you’ll be just fine.

Tip #8: Ignore other people’s opinions

You’ll find that friends and family will sometimes make you uncomfortable for trying to live a healthy life. They’ll make you feel guilty for not joining in on all the treats and drinks. Chances are, those forcing you to eat or drink with them, usually feel guilty themselves and just need a partner in crime. If you feel like you had enough, then that’s enough. No one can decide what’s best for your body and your goals. Ignore what other people think. If you want the cake, have the cake! If you don’t, then so what? There will always be cake, every day, at every shop. So, you will not die for skipping it once.