Avoid diet pitfalls this Christmas

Julia Griggs Havey

Ahhh, traditions! Middle-age spread, baby fat, traditional Christmas weight gain… Those are the traditions I'm talking about! Or in other words, excuses are what I am talking about.

Rationalisation is one of the best coping mechanisms that we have. When it comes to dieting, we can rationalise away any inappropriate action we have ever taken with excuses such as: "I didn't eat that much", "My jumper shrank in the wash", or "I don't have time to exercise”.

But you have two choices this holiday season. Choice one: to remain steadfast in your commitment to improve your health and fitness. Choice two: to give into temptation.

By choosing number one, you are anticipating the temptations before they happen. You know that they are going to occur and plan ahead so that you come out on top!

For all those choosing choice number one, continue reading and you will get through the holidays happier, healthier - and thinner!

For those choosing number two, see you in January when you start back on your 'diet', five pounds heavier, more discouraged and upset with yourself for not sticking to your resolve. Been there and done that for more years than you care to mention? Then DON'T do it again this year! Change your choice and tackle the obstacles that will hinder your forward progress! Let's go!

Don't plan your celebrations around food. Yes, we will all cook the turkey, glaze the ham and make the stuffing... but change your focus this year away from having the perfect meal. Focus instead on spending time with your family and friends and having a good time away from the table.

Prepare your meal 'light'. Stuff the turkey with fruit and onions, making for a tasty turkey which isn't loaded with lumpy bread stuffing! Go for boiled or mashed potatoes instead of roasties and hold off on buttering those sprouts. Skim your gravy, make the custard with skimmed milk and go for one spoonful of single cream instead of double. No one needs to know that they are eating healthily!

Make water your drink of choice at all holiday gatherings. When offered a high-calorie, nutrition-free cocktail say "NO thank you" and order a sparkling mineral water. Keep the calories and hangovers at bay!

Don't worry about your little black dress (or tuxedo)! How you walk in the room, your posture, your confidence and your smile will be remembered by others long after the memory of what you wore fades. Be sure to wear something flattering, get your hair cut or coloured, or splurge on a manicure. But realise that your attitude and smile matter far more than the shape of your body or the style of your clothes.

Do something positive for yourself each day. Exercise is the best stress buster during the busy holiday weeks. Make sure that you are getting a minimum of 30 minutes cardiovascular workout at least 4 times a week and you will see in a happy new year!

Bring a healthy dish to a party. The host will thank you for your generosity and need never know that your ulterior motive is to ensure that you will have at least one healthy item to eat!

Don't add stress to your life. The holiday seasons are NOT about buying the perfect gift, finding the "it" toy, having the perfectly decorated home or having the kids holiday pictures taken. Do not overload yourself with things that really aren't important. Simplify!

Stay on track. Make no excuses and accept no excuses. Keep this phrase in mind, “everywhere you go, there you are!” You do not go on holiday from your body. Your body doesn’t need yule logs, mince pies, brandy butter, a whole tin of chocolates or even a selection box. To indulge in anything in excess is to accept excuses, rationalise and put off until the proverbial “tomorrow” what needs to be done TODAY!