Beat the Christmas Bulge (part 1)

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

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