The Christmas Dieter Issue #1- Tips to keep the weight down during the Christmas period

Christmas is coming. A time of year most people love, yet the dieter hates and fears. It can be the dieters number one enemy. It is very hard on Christmas day and the surrounding weeks not to pile on pounds. If you live in an area with a colder November - January climate you will want to eat more just so your body burns food and stays warm. So are you doomed to the post X-Mas Diet or can you prevent putting on so many pounds this year?

During this feature - The Christmas Dieter - we will be looking at low fat alternatives, healthy but fun Christmas meals and snacks, and whatever other healthy festive tips we can think of.

Today we are just going to look at a few tips to minimise weight gain around Christmas.

Tips and ideas

  • Let people know you are on or still on a diet. This way they wont buy you chocolates and other tempting treats. Heck, you might get something you want off them instead! :)
  • Make your own festive foods this year! Instead of buying cookies, chocolates or mince pies make your own from low fat ingredients and alternatives. You can make them look very festive and impress everyone you offer them to, too! Buy nuts without salt and dried fruit instead of chocolate covered fruit. Prepare early so you are not rushing around last minute buying loads of snack junk food
  • If weight gain is inevitable on Christmas day, fine - why not break your diet for one special day. But at the same time dont pig out just for the sake of it. Also prepare for this weight gain by losing a bit extra from now till then. Lose 3 extra pounds before christmas, then when you put it on you will still be heading for your targets
  • Go for lots of walks. There is usually something good to have a look at during this seasonal holiday. Go make the most of it.
  • If you work, find something to do with your time off. Dont just sit down or you will eat just for the sake of it. Distract yourself by sending loads of X-Mass cards or shopping for the perfect present.
  • Keep yourself and your house warm if possible. If you are cold your body will crave food.

In the upcoming issue we will look at a healthy Christmas Dinner/Lunch for you to cook.