THE BIG DAY

Christmas only comes round once a year and is a day to be celebrated with good food and drinks. Be mindful that although it is only one day, it can be the little things that add up. 

Tips and Tricks

-  Start the day with a decent, solid breakfast.  Try some eggs on toast, raisin toast, muesli or porridge with fresh seasonal fruit

-  Downsize your dishware and choose a small dinner plate when you serve your meal. Extensive research shows that people eat what's put on their plates, even if it's more than they need to satisfy their hunger

-  Fill your plate with lots of salad and vegetable sides to help you fill up. It’s still important to get your vegetable serves, even on Christmas day!

-  Offer to bring a healthy dish. Your hostess will welcome the contribution, and you’ll know you have a go-to option

-  If you love desserts and you know you won’t be able to pass up that piece of plum pudding, don’t deprive yourself.  Balance it out by passing on the bread roll with butter and have a small piece of pudding. Then you get to enjoy it guilt-free and not feel like you’re missing out

Have a Game Plan

-  Ask family or friends to buy your 2014 MMDI membership for Christmas. 

-  Get outside and play with your kids. Everyone loves a rival game of backyard cricket or test out the new toys given for Christmas

-  Enjoy a family walk after your meal. It’s a great way to stretch the legs and help digest your food

This year, when your social schedule begins to expand during the holidays, your waistline doesn't have to. The average Australian gains 0.8-1kg over the Christmas period, however this is rarely lost again. So aim for weight maintenance rather than weight loss (or gain!)

HOLIDAY PARTIES
It is inevitable that you’ll be going to at least a few festive gatherings, whether it’s the work Christmas party or the neighbours for a casual BBQ, here’s a few tips to navigate through.

Think Balance and Go Steady

- Try to stand on the other side of the room from where the food arrives from; no one likes a food stalker!  This will help you to eat mindfully if you have to cross the room to get to the food

- Aim to be picky about the things you eat.  Pretend to be vegetarian for the night, so your choices are higher fibre and more nutritious

- Fill up on something before you hit the party scene; try a tub of yoghurt, small bowl of soup or some cheese and crackers

- Choose lower kilojoule options such as low joule wines or spirits mixed with soda water or diet soft drinks and sip slowly

- Be designated driver to some of your parties to reduce to frequency of alcohol consumed in the festive period

- Go one for one; have an alcoholic beverage followed by a water. This keeps you hydrated as well as reduces your kilojoule intake