It is the time of the year again for celebration and feasting. This tends to be a very challenging time for those watching their weight or managing a health condition. It is not uncommon to put on as much as three kilograms over the festive period! So how should you balance your merry-making with you desire to maintain your waistline? Here are a few tips that you nay find helpful.
1. Take only what you want.
Do not feel obligated to fill your plate with every conceivable festive food. At buffets, take a bit of everything as a taster - you will have plenty of food the whole day anyway. It is ok to have small portion of food on your plate. Be prepared to politely decline the sweets.
2. Eat slowly and enjoy your food!
The festive period is a time for relaxation. So do not be in a hurry to wolf everything down. Savour every bite to appreciate the different texture and flavors. Make sure each meal takes at least 20 minutes because that is how long it takes for your stomach to signal to your brain that you are full. You will find that you will eat less and enjoy more when you eat slowly.
3. Do not overstuff.
Stop before you are too full! Be prepared to leave some food on your plate, or request for a take-away if you are not able to finish your food. Before you eat, ask yourself, "Is my mouth hungry or is my stomach hungry?" Chances are, it is the former.
4. Watch your liquids!
Lots of calories are added without you realizing it. Choose water, plain tea or coffee (without added sugar or milk/creamer) or diet soft drinks instead of fruit juices and canned/bottled sweet drinks. Limit your alcohol intake to one portion (be it a glass, can, mug or shot) for women and two for men. Choose plain alcoholic drinks rather than cocktails as the latter usually contains plenty of added sugar.
5. Keep active during the festive season.
Make sure you have at least half an hour of activity every day of the festive period. Apart from the usual workout, consider playing a game of frisbee with your family or going for a football game with your friends. Schedule non-food focused get-togethers with your loved ones.
Alrighto, with these little tips, hope you have a zero-weight-gain in the Year of The Dragon!
Gong Xi Fa Cai. HUAT AH!
1. Take only what you want.
Do not feel obligated to fill your plate with every conceivable festive food. At buffets, take a bit of everything as a taster - you will have plenty of food the whole day anyway. It is ok to have small portion of food on your plate. Be prepared to politely decline the sweets.
2. Eat slowly and enjoy your food!
The festive period is a time for relaxation. So do not be in a hurry to wolf everything down. Savour every bite to appreciate the different texture and flavors. Make sure each meal takes at least 20 minutes because that is how long it takes for your stomach to signal to your brain that you are full. You will find that you will eat less and enjoy more when you eat slowly.
3. Do not overstuff.
Stop before you are too full! Be prepared to leave some food on your plate, or request for a take-away if you are not able to finish your food. Before you eat, ask yourself, "Is my mouth hungry or is my stomach hungry?" Chances are, it is the former.
4. Watch your liquids!
Lots of calories are added without you realizing it. Choose water, plain tea or coffee (without added sugar or milk/creamer) or diet soft drinks instead of fruit juices and canned/bottled sweet drinks. Limit your alcohol intake to one portion (be it a glass, can, mug or shot) for women and two for men. Choose plain alcoholic drinks rather than cocktails as the latter usually contains plenty of added sugar.
5. Keep active during the festive season.
Make sure you have at least half an hour of activity every day of the festive period. Apart from the usual workout, consider playing a game of frisbee with your family or going for a football game with your friends. Schedule non-food focused get-togethers with your loved ones.
Alrighto, with these little tips, hope you have a zero-weight-gain in the Year of The Dragon!
Gong Xi Fa Cai. HUAT AH!
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