Not sure how you are going to make it through the festive season without losing the plot with your low fat Christmas eating plan?

Or…

Did you decide over the previous months to start whipping yourself into shape and now you’re driving yourself crazy with trepidation about ensuring you comply with a low calorie Christmas?

Or…

Are you concerned that all the persistence and hard hours of training may all go down the drain if you don’t follow your current fitness eating plan regime.

Whatever your concerns it seems to be keeping you up at night wondering “what is the right thing to do by my program” and how will my “fight against gaining body fat” suffer while at the mercy of everything from family gatherings to office parties.

Believe me, the more you worry the worse off you’ll be. If you’re “umming and arrgghhing” as to what you should do then read through the following steps to help you survive the Christmas calorie blues.

1. DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS!

Do you sit there at Christmas with a miserable face watching everyone eating cheesy, creamy snacks or other foods that are causing you to drool on the floor?

Do you ruin your own Christmas, and everyone else’s, due to you being grumpy and taking your frustration out on everyone else because all you have on your plate is a steamed sweet potato and some veggies whilst the rest of your friends and family are eating the most bountiful banquet you have ever laid eyes on?

Does this sound like you? Then my advice to you is GET OVER IT!!

Christmas is only here once per year. So if you’ve been consuming a regular healthy low fat eating program for the past 12 months then don’t stress because consuming some of your old favorites – within reason of course – won’t ruin a years worth of training.

Just keep the following Christmas eating tips in mind during the festive season so you can enjoy this quality time with your friends and family. And, hey, even if you did gain a pound at least you know that everyone isn’t complaining about your grouchy attitude saying: “what the heck was up what’s his/her name’s butt at Christmas dinner?”.

2. “I AM TOO FULL TO MOVE” – STOMACH PAINS

Hey, I am the first to admit that I don’t mind having a few extra spoonfuls when it comes to a Christmas banquet. It’s when you know you have had enough and you just keep on eating because it’s in front of you – you need to realise where to draw the line.

You are sitting there full to the brink swallowing hard to prevent yourself throwing up the beautiful meal you just consumed. You’re exhausted, numb and can’t even find the energy to talk because of the severe stomach pains from over eating. Now what’s the point in that? The dishes build up in the kitchen because everyone’s so lethargic that they can’t bare to help with the cleaning up.

What was that? I can nearly hear you giggling to yourself! Of course this sounds familiar to most folk because that’s what many folk do.

DON’T OVER EAT!

You can still eat but just divide your servings up having more smaller regular sized meals throughout the day rather than gorging yourself in one or two meals.

3. PLANNING FOR YOUR DOWNFALLS for the Christmas office party.

Other than there being copious amounts of alcohol with mixes and crazy cocktails that are jam packed full of calories.. the snacks that are often served at office or work Christmas bashes are more than likely not designed for the person who wants to lose body fat.

What’s worse, is you absolutely know that no matter what – you are not going to be able to say “NO” to any foods that are dripping in fat or loaded with sugar. So what do you do?

Eat before you attend your Christmas office party. Have a meal, even a small quick meal, that contains a decent amount of lean protein and low GI carbs that will fill you up before you get there. Don’t forget to keep up with plenty of water to help keep you hyrated and help give you that feeling of being full.

Not only will all of this assist with the alcohol factor but will also help prevent you from behaving like a starving, ravenous maniac trying to chew off the hand of the person serving you the cheesy, deep fried snacks.

4. COOKING A LOW CALORIE CHRISTMAS TASTY MEAL

As you know the shops are full of healthier products and ingredients, RIGHT?

Of course! You just have to choose to purchase them.

So what’s stopping you from cooking using these products in your Festive Banquet? Nothing!

Use low fat cooking spray, lean proteins, fresh fruits and veggies the list goes on. Aim for foods and ingredients lower in GI. Your meal doesn’t have to be boring – you’re just reducing the fat, salt and sugar content more while not compromising on the flavor. Between that and the small servings, it will make a difference.

5. DEALING WITH THE WELL MEANING FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO FORCE FEEDS YOU!

Do you have a friend or family member who makes you feel rude if you don’t eat everything that’s put in front of you?

I know you know what I am talking about.
The good ol’ “go on one more.. it won’t hurt you”
“have another ladle full and put some meat on you, you are all skin and bones”
“I have been slaving in the kitchen for the past two days and I won’t stop badgering you until you eat three more”

What ever you do DON’T SAY “I AM TRYING TO WATCH MY WEIGHT” – because you will be hassled for the rest of the meal, or the whole day for that matter.

Come up with some other excuse. Think of something before you go so don’t you end up saying “get off my back” or offending them. Let’s face it there’s nothing wrong with straight up saying “you’re full”. If you’re full – that’s it – if you don’t want to eat anymore – don’t.

Believe me there’s nothing worse than hearing someone moan their heads off for weeks after Christmas blaming the wicked relative who force fed them fatty and sugary foods which has led them to putting on 5 kilos! C’mon you could’ve said “no” if you wanted to.

6. YOUR EXERCISE PROGRAM OVER CHRISTMAS.

If you’re able to include some physical activity / exercise in your day to help burn off the extra calories AND you don’t want to appear rude you could use the following tips and crazy excuse:

a. “How about I give you all some time out from the children and I will take them for a walk to the park”

WARNING: Believe me if you’re game enough to look after a group of kids on Christmas day, hyped up on junk food and confectionery – then good luck to you. But I can virtually guarantee that you will lose calories and maybe your sanity too.

b. If you have time, walk or perform a quick cardio session first thing in the morning. You probably won’t feel like it later in the day so nip it in the bud first thing.

c. If you want to perform some resistance exercise keep it simple such as push-ups, tricep dips, squats and crunches. Perform a set of each directly after each other. Repeat two – three times over like a mini circuit.

But just remember not to exercise directly after your meal. Let your food settle first.

MOST IMPORTANTLY!!

ENJOY YOURSELF!

This is one time of the year when you should be able to let your hair down and really enjoy the holiday season. Just do the best you can with your eating but don’t come down on yourself if you eat a few extra treats. Just get back on track the next day. A low fat Christmas is possible, just try not to make it unrealistic so you can take pleasure in spending time with your family and friends.

Have a great Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!
Take care
Kind regards
Yours in fun, health and fitness
© Mandy Gibbons
Virtual Fitness Trainer

Persons who are of good health, suspect of their health or are aware of any conditions, physical deficiencies or diseases should always consult a physician before undertaking any eating or exercise program. Mandy Gibbons, Virtual Fitness Trainer, www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com.au and www.virtualfitnesstrainer.com disclaims any liability or loss in connection with the above program or advice given in this article.