How to deal with Christmas gatherings?
By CDUP-UP nutritionist, Joana Resende
December is here and with it comes social gatherings… and many of them at the table! It doesn’t have to be a month where you let nothing control you and abandon the healthy habits and behaviors you’ve managed to acquire throughout the year, but It is important to realize that it is the consistency and discipline of the entire year that will dictate the long-term results, and not the occasional excesses that may occur during this month.
It is undoubtedly a time of year when it is more difficult to lose weight when this is the goal and so it may be necessary to manage some expectations. A more “realistic” approach may be to try to maintain the weight.
Balance is key. Enjoy the holidays, your family, your friends and be happy. Eating should always be something extremely pleasurable, regardless of what your goal is!
- CONTROL WHAT IS WITHIN YOUR REACH
At this time of year, social gatherings and events occur even more frequently. It is very important to maintain your eating routine on the remaining days of the week and continue to plan your meals.
- MAKING CHOICES
Choose what you don't usually eat at home throughout the year and manage the quantities in order to choose what you like most and what gives you the most pleasure to eat.
- DON'T FORGET THE BASICS
Continue to include soup, vegetables and fruit in your meals. Don't go to a gathering hungry as this could lead to overeating.
- MODERATE THE AMOUNT OF ALCOHOL
Alternate between drinking alcohol and drinking water as this will help combat dehydration and swelling.
- MAINTAIN PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Take advantage of the fact that you may have vacation days and/or less busy days to train and move as much as possible by going for walks and excursions.
- ENJOY AND ENJOY
It is a special time, for socializing, for fraternization and it is up to each person to manage this Christmas season in the way they think best and in a conscious way.
If you have lots of dinners and get-togethers, it's a sign that you have family and friends and that everyone wants to spend time with you! Eating together at the table is also part of a healthy lifestyle.
