Health

Staying Healthy and Happy in the Silly Season

WORDS HEIDI JENNINGS

“I put on five kilos and can’t shift it!” is the catchcry for many of us as we lament our over-indulgence through the Christmas and New Year period. Inevitably, this is followed by shame, guilt and yo-yo diets.

Learning to overcome this destructive annual pattern is essential if you want to take control of your health, wellbeing and body shape for good. A sensible, sustainable goal for this time of year is to forget about weight loss and focus on maintenance instead. Let’s be realistic. Who wants to sit at the Christmas table and forego all the goodies? Not us, and we bet you don’t either! So enjoy the champagne, the turkey with all the trimmings, and the trifle for dessert. But then, know how to rein yourself in. Here are some simple yet effective strategies to keep up your sleeve during the silly season. Firstly, get rid of the leftovers, quick smart. A slice of ham here, a spoonful of pudding there, combined with extra time on your hands and the temptation to “not be wasteful” can be a recipe for disaster. Not only can you end up lethargic and moody as your body struggles to break down the extra calories, you’ll also regret the unnecessary inches that have gathered on your hips. Saying no to leftovers is not being wasteful, it’s preserving your health and vitality. Stash the gifted boxes of chocolates or tubs of licorice allsorts away from hungry eyes. Your fridge and pantry are like display cabinets, tempting you every time you pass by, so store the treats somewhere less visible, such as in a downstairs cupboard or in the garage. Out of sight, out of mind. Better yet, ask friends and family not to buy you confectionary as a gift. Nominate the days you will drink alcohol in advance, then keep the rest alcohol-free. Alcohol is a toxin and full of empty calories that will end up taking up residence around your middle. By all means enjoy a glass or two here and there, then take a break. If you are going away or visiting family or friends, take plenty of healthy snacks with you. Fresh, dried or canned fruit and nuts and seeds are great snacks that don’t require refrigeration, will nourish your body and support your maintenance goal. If you really want to stay on track, take your scales with you to keep yourself accountable. Your weight’s gone up? That’s okay, just make better choices in the next few days to bring it back down. For your body to burn off the extra treats at this time of year, it needs deep, restful sleep. Sleep is your most potent fat burner and detoxifier. Waking up feeling refreshed will give you energy, a great mood, sharp mental focus and the motivation to do some exercise. The occasional late night is fine, but a consistent bed-time between 9.30pm and 10.30pm is very important in being able to maintain your weight. Lastly, find balance. Stay well hydrated and keep active, then kick back and relax. Enjoy the sunshine, the paradise in which we live, and the promise of a fresh new year, minus that pesky 5kgs.

Heidi Jennings | 0275 431 387 jenningshealthcoach.com

Heidi is a Holistic Health Coach and PlantBased Nutrition specialist who empowers her clients to take control of their health and live a life they truly love.