When December hits and we start thinking about all the food and drink we may consume this silly season, we can sometimes resign ourselves to the fact that we’ll be putting on a couple of extra kilograms no matter what. Our kilojoule tolerance gets an expansion, and we don’t mind because come January 1, the New Year’s resolution will kick in.

It doesn’t have to be this way! You can still have all the fun and prevent extra weight gain and sluggishness this year by following some simple guidelines.

1. Have some indulge-free days

Pick and choose the days you indulge, and don’t use this time of the year to go completely against everything you’ve been working hard for all year. Balance is important, for your insides and for your mental wellbeing. If you balance your indulgent days with days loading up on water, fruit and veg, and outdoor activities, you’ll feel much better about the whole ordeal and your body will thank you for it.

2. Stay active

It’s summer time after all, so let’s make the most of it. This doesn’t mean you have to go for a 5km run or visit the gym every day between Christmas and New Year. But it does mean that this time of year is great to spend time with family and friends other than activities revolving around food. Evening bike rides or cricket down at the beach can be very social and also get your heart rate up. Planning ahead will help you get out and about.

3. Keep in control of your portion sizes

Just because you’ve been served a dinner plate full of roast turkey and potato lathered in gravy, doesn’t mean you have to eat it all. Enjoy the flavours but know what your limits are and keep in mind what the rest of the day holds for you. If you know you’ll be grazing later at another gathering, don’t stuff yourself silly. You’re just going to take the joy out of Christmas by over-filling yourself!

4. Keep it fresh

If you have a choice over what you pick up from the waiter at the work Christmas party, or what you choose from the family spread at home, choose the fresh food options as much as possible. Think crunchy salads, grilled meats and fresh summer fruits. Being summer, you’ll feel better having made the choice for lighter food, especially if you plan on heading to the beach later!

5. Focus on socialising rather than eating

The festive season really is about spending time with family and friends, and although the food can be amazing, it’s generally the socialising we do around food at this time of year that is the most fun. So at parties, focus on socialising or dancing instead of hanging around the kitchen. And instead or organising catch ups around meals or drinking, go for a walk along the beach or have a game of tennis. Or at the very least, make sure space out your “drinks” with plenty of hydrating fluids.


Photo: http://www.flickr.com/photos/78011127@N00/3156118401/