Check-up: Your health questions answered
Every Christmas I over-indulge and end up at least a half a stone heavier by the time the new year bells are ringing. As I attend a lot of social events, I need some advice on how to keep a grip on things this year.
Christmas is a time when we loosen the reins a little and indulge in all sorts of temptations. Some can be difficult to avoid especially if your lifestyle includes a number of social events that include food.
There are, however, a few things you can do to help you stay in control of what you eat and drink. Before you go to a function where there is food being served, have a bowl of clear soup before you leave home. If you are not hungry when you sit down, you will be less tempted to over-indulge. Skip the starter unless it's a salad and don't be tempted by the bread basket. If you must have a desert, stick to a small portion, preferably fresh fruit without embellishment. At drinks parties avoid nuts, crackers and other salty snacks as they will make you thirsty and likely to drink more. Increased alcohol consumption not only results in increased calorie intake but will make you less vigilant about what you actually eat.
Even if I do succeed in controlling my consumption over the party season, what about Christmas dinner?
Christmas dinner can be a particularly healthy meal especially if you watch portion size. Turkey meat is low in fat as are fresh vegetables. Use a clear soup as a starter and substitute seasonal fruit for desert.
Christmas pudding, cake and mince pies are all high in fat and sugar so limit your portion size. Don't avoid them completely, or you'll end up feeling hard done by and are more likely to make up for your perceived deprivation by over-indulging in other treats.
If you can't avoid being within striking distance of the 5kg box of sweets being passed around, make sure to have a supply of some really good high cocoa content, dark chocolate for yourself.
I really get quite bored over the holiday time and find I am more inclined to eat as a result.
It's not too late to ask Santa for a new pair of walking shoes. Get out everyday in the fresh air and burn off a few extra calories by going for a brisk 40-minute walk or, if your feeling really energetic, go for a cycle. By taking a sensible approach this Christmas you'll give yourself a head start for a healthy 2006.