[1] [2]
It's the HOLIDAYS! Isn't it just brilliant?! If you're anything
like me then you're rapt that finally, you have time away from your
normal routine and the chance to engage with family and friends.
Finally, you get to unwrap those Christmas gifts that have been
taunting you all month and (even better) you get to rest assured in
the knowledge that you don't have to worry about Christmas shopping
for at least another 11 months. 11.5 at a stretch. And FINALLY you get
to eat, drink and be merry – and all without the usual serving of
guilt. Right?
_After all, it's the holidays! A time to indulge and enjoy! Dieting
and exercise be damned – yes?_
Well, sure. Like it or not, indulgence tends to go part and parcel
with this time of year. Which is fine and dandy, but wouldn't it be
just excellent if you could enjoy your holiday merriment without the
residual, how should I say it, well enhancement of your figure?
I'm all for eating, I'm definitely all for a few extra glasses of
red at this time of year, and I most certainly won't say no to a bit
of merriment, but if there's one thing I can't stand it's
knowing I've undone (or at least feel as though I have) a year's
hard work in just a few short weeks of vacation.
_Here are five simple but very very smart nutrition tips that I use to
avoid just that. I think you'll like them._
• Knock back 2 tablespoons of apple cidar vinegar before each
major meal. Many people swear by apple cidar vinegar for digestion,
and I've found it really works wonders first thing in the morning to
get things moving. Whether or not the validity of this is based in
'real' science or not, I'm unsure but I say – if something
works for you then keep doing it. And this definitely works for me.
I've also read that taking apple cidar vinegar can blunt the insulin
response of a sugar-loaded or large meal.
• Use cinnamon liberally. Cinnamon not only adds a yummy
flavour to meals both sweet and savoury, but it's used widely by
health practitioners to lower blood sugar response to food. It is even
used in some diabetes treatment for this purpose. According to studies
at the USDA, cinnamon not only reduces blood sugar, but also
triglycerides and cholesterol in people with Type 2 diabetes. This is
why cinnamon is often referred to as a 'fat-loss spice'. I like to
add some to my coffee.
• Hold off on the juices, sodas, or other sugar-based mixers.
This is just plain old common sense, isn't it! Drinking alcoholic
beverages is one thing at this time of year, but adding calorie-loaded
sugars to them can really add up. Choose soda and fresh lime, or stick
to the wine. Your belly will thank you!
• Enjoy some red wine vinegar with freshly squeezed lemon and
lime on your salad. These natural and healthy dressings will help your
body to become more alkaline – a simple way to deal with the toxic
overload that too much eating can induce. Red wine vinegar, like apple
cidar vinegar, may also help to manage blood sugars – I know I keep
harping on about that, but let's face it – too much food usually
does mean too much sugar!
• Eat a protein-based breakfast. Healthy proteins and good
fats will not only give you that morning energy boost but can prevent
cravings later in the day and help you to manage temptation wisely.
Rather than plain toast or cereal, which tend to be eaten in a rush
and lead to hunger pangs earlier than you'd like, try a whole boiled
egg or some salmon with avocado. Another yummy option is to use nut
butter like almond butter on gluten free toast. I personally notice a
huge difference in how much I eat for the day as a whole when I
consume protein first thing, and I once read a study showing children
who eat protein for breakfast chose naturally to eat 46% less for
lunch than those who ate plain porridge.
What do you do to keep yourself in check during the holiday eating
madness? Aside from the obvious (and, let's face it, kinda boring
– restrain yourself) If you have any smart nutrition 'tricks'
that aren't on this list, I'd love to hear them!
_Kat Eden is a personal trainer and nutrition/lifestyle coach from
Melbourne, Australia. For regular tips on nutrition, health, and
motivation visit Kat over at her blog www.bodyincredible.com [3]_
Don't Forget To Follow PickTheBrain on Twitter [4]!
_*Related Articles:*_
4 Musts to Staying Committed To Your Diet [5]
The Massive Benefits of a Healthy Diet and How To Make Yours Stick
[6]
Links:
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[2] http://www.944.com/blog/images/pre-holiday-diet.jpg
[3] http://www.bodyincredible.com
[4] http://twitter.com/pickthebrain
[5] http://bemoreconfident.info/../4-musts-to-stay-committed-to-your-diet/
[6] http://bemoreconfident.info/../the-massive-benefits-of-a-healthy-diet-and-how-to-make-yours-stick/
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