SILLY SEASON SURVIVAL GUIDE
Published: 01/12/2011 by DEANNA PENMAN
» FITNESS
ESCAPE THE SILLY SEASON WEIGHT GAIN WITH THESE PARTY SURVIVAL TIPS!
The next couple of months are a tough time for anyone trying to maintain their weight and increase their overall health and fitness. Christmas should not mean an end to your healthy eating plan or a battle through January trying to offset the effects of the silly social season.
ARE YOU READY WITH YOUR NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS
Being in the industry for over 10 years, I have seen numerous people walking into gyms ready with their New Year’s resolutions. This is fantastic and I’m sure we have all been here, however, have you ever thought about setting some of these goals in December? As hotter days start to approach the silly season can easily be a fantastic time to increase your fitness, stay in shape, eat healthy and de-stress.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS
We still want to enjoy these social occasions and it’s important that we know how to manage without offending our family and friends. Below are some ideas and tips for making some small adjustments to the numerous and fun social gatherings you will be attending over the next couple of months.
BEATING THE BBQ AND BUFFET BULGE
- Have a quick look around first to see what is on offer.
- Ask a friend or partner to get you what you want so you’re not tempted by the other food.
- If serving yourself, wait until last. This way you are likely to finish your meal last and are less tempted to go up for a second helping.
- Use a smaller plate if possible – bread of entrée plates is ideal.
- Go in with a game plan. Plan prior to leaving what temptations you cannot say no to, and which foods you can do without.
- Put off having a drink until you have eaten something. You may forget your good eating intentions if you a little bit tipsy.
- Do not show up hungry. Have a healthy snack full of fibre prior to leaving to curb your hunger.
- Try not to stand up eating at BBQ’s or buffets.
- Try not to stand and socialise near the table filled with drinks and nibblies. Without noticing your hand will tend to wander!
- Offer to bring a healthy food plate to the party. That way you know there will be something to fill up your plate with at the event.
A LA CARTE MENU
- Phone the restaurant beforehand or check on the Internet to familiarise yourself with the menu.
- If possible choose a restaurant with a wide choice of food to accommodate everyone.
- Decide prior to arriving exactly what you plan on having. Try and order first so you will be less influenced by other people’s meal choices.
- Instead of ordering an entrée and a main course, order two entrées instead.
- When ordering salads, ask for dressing to be on the side so you can control how much goes on your meal.
- Beware of sauces such as hollandaise and béarnaise as they are prepared using lots of butter. If it isn’t clear on the menu ask your waiter how the sauce and dish is cooked. Always choose your herb or tomato based options.
- If you are at a pizzeria, ask for less or half the cheese.
- Marinated meats and fish are good choices, as they are usually marinated in herbs, wine and vinegar. Such marinades provide wonderful flavour without the hidden calories.
- If dessert is your thing, often one spoonful is all you need. Ask to share with a friend, as I’m sure you’re not the only one trying your best to stay on track.
- If ordering dessert for you only try to stick to fresh fruits or a small scoop of sorbet or gelato.
CHRISTMAS DAY
- To avoid over eating Christmas snacks on the table, ensure you eat a healthy breakfast to ensure you’re not arriving hungry to Christmas Lunch.
- Instead of loading your cooking and meal with salt, try using other flavourings such as pepper or fresh herbs.
- Be extremely social during lunch. The more you talk and engage in social conversation the slower you will eat you meal. This will allow you to feel satisfied without feeling uncomfortably full.
- Be active on the day. Rather them rest on the coach after lunch, get the family out for a social game of cricket or walk in the park.
- Be of service and help the host clear the table. This will stop you from picking at nasty leftovers.
OTHER USEFUL TIPS
- Be ready and equipped to say ‘NO’
Be comfortable in yourself that it is okay to say no to food being passed around, or declining in the next round of drinks being offered. People will not like you any less for taking these actions.
- Lookout for the ALCOHOL CALORIES
Start with mineral or soda water and minimise your alcohol intake wherever possible. Try and stick to having wine or beer rather than sugar-loaded, high-calorie drinks such as margaritas, champagne and over calorie-enriched cocktails. Alcohol not only stimulates your appetite, it can also take the title of ‘Liquid Fat’ having just as much calories as eating ‘Fat’ itself.
Swap one standard glass of champagne (160ml) that has 113 calories, for 1 standard glass of vodka and soda water (250ml) with a slice of lemon that only has 68 calories.
- Be good WITHOUT DENYING YOURSELF
Allow yourself to give in to some temptations. Remember it is not “the all or nothing” rule.
Just because you give in once it doesn’t mean you have falling off the wagon. This will stop you from resenting the situation and overeating when you’re in private feeling you have missed out.
The silly season is jam packed with numerous social situations that will always be a challenge. Using some of the tips above are a great start to ensuring you are not increasing your New Years resolutions next month. If you can plan for them, set some goals and focus on using them for what they are socially designed for, then you can enjoy and run away from the silly season relatively guilt free. Remember social occasions are about the company not just the food!!
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