And who does not like the festive season of Christmas and New Year. A festive season where we usually all get out of the routine of everyday life and especially when it comes to our diet.
Social gatherings, festive food, sweets, alcohol and reduction of physical activity contribute to an average weight gain of 0.5-2 kg.
So how do we avoid this weight gain as much as possible?
Of course we will enjoy the various delicacies of the day… melomakarona, kourabiedes, but in moderation. Healthy recipes are always available.
Drink alcohol in moderation. Prefer wine (especially red which is rich in polyphenols) and limit cocktails.
Limit / avoid nuts or other delicacies e.g. crisps along with alcohol
Do not completely abandon exercise / physical activity
Decide in advance which of the festive days you will consume a sweet
If you have time, make homemade sweets and foods because they are healthier and with fewer calories
Drink plenty of water
Try to use healthy fats for cooking like olive oil
Follow the method of the healthy plate
My healthy plate method:
Fill ½ your plate with salad or fruit
The ¼ of your plate with bread and whole grains (rice, potatoes, spaghetti…)
The ¼ of your plate with lean protein (lean meat, fish and seafood, poultry, eggs ..)
You can also add a small amount of low-fat yogurt to your meal
Of course you can also enjoy your dessert. But leave at least an hour after a meal and drink plenty of water. Many times while we are thirsty we choose to eat. Also, water can reduce your craving for sweets.
Choose a dessert with less sugar or a fruit. A good choice is the so called "spoon sweets" (του κουταλιού) which have no fat at all. If of course you decide to try another dessert, do it without guilt, you deserve it!
And most importantly… Merry Christmas and happy New Year
