Christmas Fun - without overindulging!

Are you over feeling heavy, tired and bloated on boxing day? You don’t have to stuff yourself on Christmas day to have fun. Sure, you can eat more than you usually do, it’s important to be able to celebrate and enjoy special times with your family, but eating until you need to undo the top button of your pants is not necessary. 

 

When we eat too much out body cant cope and many of us feel the effects, such as:

  

• Heartburn
• Nausea, feeling sick
• Bloating
• Gas
• Congested sinuses
• Fatigue, sleepiness
• Headaches and brain fog (can’t think clearly)
• Stiff and sore joints

 

Here are some tips to help you try and avoid feeling the effects over overindulging and help you keep the extra kgs off!

 

• Make healthy food If Christmas is at your house you have control over what you serve, if you are not catering then bring a plate or two of healthy options.
• Fill up on vegies and lean meat Make sure your plate has lots of vegetables on it. Choose less bread and take the skin off your meat.
• Stop and Enjoy
It’s thought that it takes 20 minutes until the brain receives signals from the stomach that you are full. Stop and enjoy each mouthful and chew your food properly. Enjoy the conversation and do not rush your meals.
• Have small dessert portions Ask for small serving of desserts or cut your desserts in half and share with others. 
• Drink water in between alcoholic drinks Alcohol is full of calories and stops you digesting your food properly. If you drink alcohol while you are eating you are more likely to store the extra calories (store fat) and put on weight.  
• Share the left overs If Christmas is at your house share the leftovers with the rest of your family. It’s ok to eat extra on Christmas day, you are allowed to enjoy yourself but that’s no excuse to pick at the leftovers for the following few days, especially the desserts. Get back on track ASAP.
• Appreciate and be grateful for what you have
Enjoy the time with your family and friends and be grateful for what you have and what you have achieved throughout the year. 

 

You might find that these short moments of gratitude take away your desire to eat more than you can handle during your Christmas celebrations.

 

I am wishing you all an amazing Christmas, filled with lots of love and laughter. I hope you enjoy the holidays and can spend quality time with your friends and family. I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year and if you do overindulge come and see me and I can kick your but back into action!

 

Merry Christmas and big hugs,

 

Dr D xoxox

 

Dr Denise Furness, PhD BSc RNut REP
Registered Nutritionist & Personal Trainer with Mill Park Leisure