Don’t gain weight at Christmas?

Every year again …

… after the Christ child comes a guilty conscience because of the weight.

Who doesn’t know that?

At Christmas, we enjoy time with our family and friends. The coronavirus-related contact and exit restrictions will mean that some people will celebrate Christmas differently than expected.

And precisely because this chaotic year has cost us all a lot of energy, the festive season is also a time for festive cooking and feasting to our heart’s content.

To avoid the rude awakening a few days later when your pants pinch, your blouse stretches and you suddenly see numbers on the scales that seem completely unfamiliar, I’ve put together a few tips to help you avoid putting on weight at Christmas.

With these tricks, you will also enjoy Christmas culinary delights and not gain weight.

1. sugar-reduced baking is so easy and still delicious!
Advent is the time for cookies and gingerbread, and of course vanilla crescents, cinnamon stars and gingerbread are part of it.

But perhaps you could reduce the amount of conventional sugar or replace it with healthier and lower-calorie alternatives such as stevia or xylitol? Honey, spices, dark chocolate or fruit also sweeten very well, so you can do without normal sugar.

2. pay attention to a balanced diet when planning the menus
Of course, a Christmas roast with dumplings and gravy is a tasty dish. And in a well-rationed portion, it shouldn’t affect your weight either.

But perhaps you’d rather treat yourself to a spoonful more red cabbage instead of another dumpling, or avoid overly fatty meat with a crust and opt for leaner meats such as turkey, chicken or turkey instead?

To reduce the amount of carbohydrates and fats somewhat, various vegetables such as sweet potatoes, beans or various types of cabbage are suitable as side dishes.

Instead of cookies for breakfast, it is advisable to eat a diet rich in white and fiber. How about a delicious muesli consisting of fresh fruit, light low-fat quark with a few tablespoons of oat flakes and a dash of honey?

There are also tasty salads in winter that provide us with plenty of vitamins as well as fruit.

3. it’s the quantity that counts and strength lies in tranquillity
Avoid a plate full to the brim. Start with a smaller portion and take your time to eat. Let the dish melt in your mouth and eat with all your senses. Mmmh… how good it tastes!

This way you avoid eating too much in too short a time, as the feeling of fullness only sets in after 15 to 20 minutes. And when you have finished your first plate, you are also signaling to your brain: “I’ve already eaten one plate – that should be enough.”

4. drink plenty of water instead of juice, soft drinks or alcohol
It’s understandable if you don’t want to miss out on mulled wine at the Christmas market, and a delicious meal also needs a good drop. But here, too, it is important to pay attention to the quantity. Because wine or beer not only have a lot of calories, but also stimulate your appetite for sweets.

In addition, alcohol or soft drinks deprive your body of important fluids, so be careful not to dehydrate your body unnecessarily and drink plenty of water.

If you drink a large glass of water before eating, it fills your stomach a little and your hunger is suddenly much smaller. A glass of warm ginger water also helps to reduce hunger, as ginger has a cholesterol-lowering and digestive effect. Just give it a try!

5. it simply doesn’t work without movement
Even though it’s a public holiday, you should still plan to exercise during the festive period. After all, if you have a hearty lunch, you shouldn’t go to the couch for an afternoon nap and then bridge the time with coffee, cake or cookies until dinner.

Dress warmly and go for a digestive walk. Depending on the weather, a short bike ride or a relaxed Nordic walking tour can also help.

Make conscious use of the days off to take time for yourself. Treat yourself to an extensive yoga session after getting up or a morning run outdoors. Make the most of the time and go outside in the fresh air between visits and parties.

In general:
If you eat a balanced and healthy diet all year round, why not treat yourself to a treat or two at Christmas – without a guilty conscience?

With this in mind, I wish you a Merry Christmas and all the best for the New Year!

Your nutritionist in Munich – Silke Schweitzer