19/12/24
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From Christmas Eve to Epiphany, the calendar shows at least four ‘red’ days and a large number of occasions for feasting with friends and relatives. Then there are the reunions and dinners to wish each other well before the holidays. As always, guilt awaits us after outsized meals, lots of alcohol, typical sweets and decidedly more sedentary moments at home or with the family. Here are some tips to limit the extra kilos, but above all avoid guilt and enjoy the magic of Christmas together with your loved ones without worries.
Plan meals in advance
During the festive season, it is easy to indulge in excess, especially if you are surrounded by abundant food. To avoid putting on weight at Christmas, it is essential to plan your meals. If you know you will be attending a big dinner or lunch, try to eat light meals in the days before and afterwards. Include fibre-rich foods such as vegetables and pulses in your menu to promote satiety.
Don’t skip breakfast
Skipping meals to compensate for dinner calories is a counterproductive strategy. A balanced breakfast helps to regulate your appetite and avoid bingeing throughout the day. Opt for low-fat yoghurt, fresh fruit and whole-grain cereals to start off on the right foot, perhaps by limiting the number of total calories.
Manage your portions
Portion control is one of the secrets to not gaining weight during the festive season. Taste everything, but in moderate quantities. You can enjoy panettone or pandoro without overdoing it: one slice is enough to enjoy the flavour without accumulating too many calories.
Drink plenty of water
We often confuse thirst with hunger. Drinking water throughout the day helps to maintain hydration and control appetite. During dinner, alternate toasts with water to limit your intake of alcohol, which is particularly high in calories.
Choose light food for dinner
You do not have to give up traditional dishes, but you can make them lighter. For example, you can prepare vegetable-based starters, avoid excessive seasonings and choose healthy cooking methods such as steaming or baking. Also, favour lean proteins such as fish or white meat.
Don’t forget physical activity
Another key tip for not gaining weight at Christmas is to maintain an active lifestyle. Take advantage of the holidays to go for long walks, perhaps after lunch, to aid digestion and burn calories. Even a short exercise session at home can make a difference.
Don’t turn leftover panettone into your breakfast
We are given a large number of Panettone, Pandoro, Torroni and many other typical sweets that fill our kitchens and risk becoming part of our ordinary diet from 20 December to 15 January. Avoid using Panettone as an alternative to your normal or protein breakfast, or at least limit its consumption: a few days of excess can’t hurt you, a few weeks maybe can!
Listen to your body
During the holidays, temptations are everywhere: chocolates, homemade sweets and calorie-rich dishes. There is nothing wrong with refusing a second portion or an extra dessert. Listen to your body and respect your sense of satiety.
Our real advice is to indulge yourself
Christmas is a special time and a small deviation from the rule is allowed. The key is not to turn an exception into a habit. If you overdo it one day with calories, compensate on the following days with light, balanced meals. Finding yourself after Epiphany with a kilo or two too many is not the end of the world and you can get back into shape in a few weeks of controlled eating! A moment of peace with your loved ones is definitely worth it.
Conclusion
By following these nutritional tips, you can enjoy the Christmas holidays without the fear of gaining weight. Enjoy the holidays and don’t stress! Happy holidays and bon appétit!
