Avoiding the Christmas bulge

trailingspouse

Only a couple of weeks now until all the gyms are full to bursting with people trying to get back into shape after Christmas.

But, as prevention is better than cure - how are you planning to avoid putting on weight over Christmas? My OH has just gone under 14 stone, meaning he's lost 2 1/2 stone this year (2 stone on the 5:2 diet, and a further 1/2 a stone through portion control and simply not eating rubbish) and he's determined not to gain any weight over the Christmas period. But between staff Christmas parties, department Christmas parties, having friends round, having neighbours round, having relatives round, and 'the meal' itself, it ain't going to be easy!!

What are your tips and tricks?

elsien

I'd say accept you're likely to put a bit on, and not beat yourself up about it come January. You do still want to enjoy yourself, after all. Within that, think about portion control (buffets are way too easy to go OTT on) and what you're choosing and bear in mind the amount of empty calories in any increased alcohol consumption. If he's drinking more (as do most of us) that'll be where a lot of it comes from.

Owain_Moneysaver

If you've had mince pies for elevenses you don't need lunch as well. Etc.

Pollycat

We have a biggish Xmas dinner (but that's lots of veg) but don't buy all the festive stuff, like mince pies and buffet style things like mini quiches and Indian/Chinese finger food.
We don't have boxes of chocolate lying around.

But if you do, you don't have to eat it just because it's there.

elsien wrote: »

I'd say accept you're likely to put a bit on, and not beat yourself up about it come January. You do still want to enjoy yourself, after all. Within that, think about portion control (buffets are way too easy to go OTT on) and what you're choosing and bear in mind the amount of empty calories in any increased alcohol consumption. If he's drinking more (as do most of us) that'll be where a lot of it comes from.

I was quite shocked when I checked the calories (and alcohol units) in beer, wine and spirits.

175ml of 13% wine has 2.3 units and 159 calories against a single 40% gin at 1 unit and 61 calories (slimline tonic adds a couple more calories).
https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/understand-your-drinking/unit-calculator

Georgesquare

Good job on the weight loss. No need for him to put any back on over the festive period. Don't eat too much, restrict the amount of "free sugar" e.g. sweets, mince pies. Even with parties and visitors it is entirely possible to keep on track.
Make sure to get out for a decent walk at least everyday.
I am keeping an eye on the weather and trying to decide if a small hill walk is on for Christmas Day or not.

Ilona

How will I avoid the Christmas bulge? I won't be eating any differently than I would all the year round. I will probably have a treat or two, but I won't be stuffing myself silly just because it's Christmas. I don't expect my weight to change.

Ilona

WhySeaEm

^ what she said

I've had an Ocado delivery booked for about two months rammed full of goodies, coming on Christmas Eve. I had a moment of clarity earlier that I don't want to just gain eight for the sake of it and edited the order and removed all the excess stuff- I'm going to try something new and start the New Year feeling good, rather than a bloated mess!

Ilona

I was in Tesco last night, trollys stuffed with Christmas stodge. I bought £63.15 worth of fruit, veg, bread, for £7.18. I allowed myself a small choccy cake, and a tube of Pringles, my Christmas treats.

Ilona

maddiemay

A small amount of everything that appeals, no large portions of anything and the sweet treats (not very many really) will be spread over the next 2 or 3 weeks, never seen the point of stuffing myself silly and feeling nausea and bloating for days. Sadly cannot tolerate alcohol, but don't really miss it and never drank large amounts anyway. I am one of the few people who would like to put on a little weight after illness, but even so will eat well but sensibly.

When did Christmas become solely about spending too much money and eating as if it was to be the last opportunity ever? (not Christian, but love the tradition of the festival)

Pollycat

maddiemay wrote: »

A small amount of everything that appeals, no large portions of anything and the sweet treats (not very many really) will be spread over the next 2 or 3 weeks, never seen the point of stuffing myself silly and feeling nausea and bloating for days. Sadly cannot tolerate alcohol, but don't really miss it and never drank large amounts anyway. I am one of the few people who would like to put on a little weight after illness, but even so will eat well but sensibly.

When did Christmas become solely about spending too much money and eating as if it was to be the last opportunity ever? (not Christian, but love the tradition of the festival)

I know this is off-topic but it really grates on me when newsreaders and presenters refer to Christmas as 'the big day'.

It's one day, FGS!

No wonder so many people feel under pressure to spend vast amounts on stuff that may not be appreciated and fill their freezer and fridges full of stuff that they wouldn't even glance at if it was a different time of year.

<<slinks off to find her Bah! Humbug! hat>>