Your Holiday Survival Guide

5 Top Tips to Stay Lean This Season

While staying on top of your weight goals can feel daunting during the holiday season, multiple tips and tricks can help keep you healthy, happy, and weight-conscious during this time of year.

Here are 5 top tips from our Nutritionists to help control your calorie intake this holiday season.

#1 Don’t Show Up Hungry To An Event

On the day you have a holiday event or party, be sure to start your day with a healthy breakfast. This will help to fire up your metabolism and control your hunger and cravings.

It will also help prevent the chance of overeating…helping to save on potentially hundreds of extra calories.

#2 Bring Your Own Healthy Dish

If you are asked to bring something for a potluck or dinner party, focus on nutrient dense first…not calorie dense. Or if you are hosting a party, try to make sure there are enough dishes that resemble natural foods such as a vegetable dish, whole grains, lean protein or bean salad.

When you can focus on your proteins, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds and beans first…the processed, high fat, high sugar, high calorie foods can still be enjoyed, but rather in lesser amounts.

#3 Be Aware Of The Sauces!

When you can…take control of what goes on your plate. Gravies and sauces will quickly ramp up your calorie intake.

A great way to make the turkey, roast beef, and mashed potatoes healthier is to forego the sauces, or to drizzle (not drown) some on for flavour.

#4 Limit Liquid Calories

Alcohol and other calorie-rich beverages are prevalent during the holiday season. If you’re trying to control your weight, start your night off with a soda water + lime. Sip on it for the first hour and then have what you will. This simple act could save you hundreds of calories and you still get to enjoy a glass of wine or two!

It’s also a good idea in between each alcoholic drink to have a glass of water to rehydrate.

Know your calories…a bottle of red wine can contain between 600 and 800 calories. A 1 oz shot of vodka is roughly 100 calories.

#5 Be Selective With Your Dessert Intake

Try to consume only the most special desserts. A chocolate chip cookie can come and go, but your grandma’s famous Yule Log only comes once a year!

It’s important to enjoy the sweet things in life, but make well informed choices. If you’re continuously fueling yourself with “junk” food, your body will respond accordingly.

Homemade desserts are always a healthier choice than anything store bought. Try one of our favourites: Chocolate Peppermint Protein Balls or Black Bean Chocolate Brownies – they’re so good!!

In addition to the above tips, remember to keep moving during the holiday season. Consider trying a new class or a few training sessions. Whether you’re working out at the gym, at home or getting outside for winter activities, staying active can help not only prevent weight gain but may even help you lose weight during this celebratory season.