5 Holiday Mistakes Nutritionists Want You To Avoid
The holidays are a time when family and friends gather to enjoy each other’s company…and EAT! Indulgent meals, buffets, cookie swaps, holiday parties… it’s not surprising that maintaining a healthy weight can be more challenging during the holidays than throughout the rest of the year.
Each year, on average, adults gain an average of 1 pound, which may not seem like a lot, but most people don’t lose this extra baggage. Therefore, the holidays may be one of the biggest contributors to your total annual weight gain.
But with a little smart planning, you can avoid common holiday eating mistakes and help keep your nutrition game on point through the holidays.
Our Nutritionists break down the 5 biggest faux pas to avoid weight gain during this most wonderful time of year.
Mistake #1 – Skipping Breakfast
Many people think that skipping a meal will help to save up their calories for the night to come.
Studies have shown our metabolism is fired up from the time we wake up until around 2pm, and then it begins to slow down.
Try this Mocha Banana Nut Smoothie for a healthy and nourishing breakfast option.
Mistake #2 – Showing Up To An Event Starving
When you show up to a party or dinner extremely hungry, you’re likely to overeat and consume more calories than your body needs at that time. The extra energy will be stored as fuel for later (fat stores).
Especially when there are so many of our favourite foods in front of us we continue to eat even when we are no longer hungry!
When you continue to eat more than your body needs, or consume the majority of your calories in the evening, the extra calories are generally stored as fat, especially if there was little to no exercise that day.
Mistake #3 – Going Into Holiday Parties Without A Game Plan
Walking into any holiday party or festive dinner without a game plan can lead to your demise. Show up with a game plan.
Before arriving at your party, jot down a few guidelines to help you stay on track.
Here’s a few ideas to help you feel more in-control and able to relax and enjoy the party.
• Set a limit of two appetizers
• Drink a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume
• Share or limit your dessert
Mistake #4 – Failing To Focus On Nutritions On Days You Don’t Have Parties
This is the biggest mistake our Nutritionists see with their clients during the festive season.
Avoid turning the whole month into a circuit of sweet treats and indulgences.
By planning for ‘regular’ days when you’re not at a holiday party or eating smart the rest of the day when you do have an event can be a game changer!
Mistake #5 – Skipping The Gym
At the end of the day in order to stay lean you must be considerate of the amount of energy you are in-taking vs putting out.
While nutrition is extremely important, you must think about your exercise routine or activity level, and how to keep it up on a daily basis to leave room for a few extra calories during the holiday season. Try a H.I.I.T. class or add in an extra spin class for a great calorie burn!
Feel like you need more direction? Book a FREE 15-minute consultation with one of our Nutritionists today!