‘Tis the season to eat plenty…..or is it?

I speak for myself at this time as I say, I absolutely LOVE Christmas. It is the time of year when families and friends are happy to get together, some families anyway, share a meal and reminisce about childhood days while we watch our children create their own. I am sure no one could forget all the dishes presented on the BIG day and the days leading up to the event! I came from a family of good cooks, and every Christmas it was an opportunity for us to showcase our family favourites and any new dishes we had learned. We loved our food and there was always plenty of it.

Our meals back then were homemade, all from scratch, with the freshest ingredients that were not complicated at all. For several years my grandmother grew her own chickens and used organic eggs to make her cakes and other baked goods. We ate healthily in our family with very few store-bought snacks. I almost forgot to mention that my grandmother made her own wine and liquors! However, even with the healthiest of food, we can run the risk of over-indulgence and one year comes to mind when we did just that. It was a few days ago I thought about that evening when we gorged ourselves on the sumptuous feast, that found us all gasping at the window for fresh air.

A person sitting with an empty plate waiting for dinner.

Before you sit down to feast, I would like to share with you 5 tips to keep you on track through the holidays, help you to be mindful about your eating and limit overconsumption. The best way to deal with any excess holiday weight is to not have to deal with it at all. We can still enjoy our festive season minus the extra calories.

1. Start your day off with a protein-packed breakfast – One sure way to sabotage any attempt at a healthy eating plan is to skip breakfast. A protein-rich breakfast keeps you satiated for a longer period of time as it reduces those insulin spikes. Do your best to avoid high-sugar foods and drinks. Yes, we can drink your calories and if you aren’t burning it off, your body will store it as fat. Remember, you cannot outrun poor dietary choices.

2. Stay hydrated – Thirst can mask itself as hunger. Many of us may have experienced reaching for food or a snack when really what we needed was a glass of water. Especially if you had just eaten, and you are looking for something else to eat, stop for a minute and have a glass of water. You may find water was all you needed and I encourage you to drink at least 2 litres across the day to keep your body well hydrated.

3. Don’t graze. – I have found on most occasions when I find myself grazing, it is because some time has passed since my last meal. Now, before I reach for a snack, I check the time since my last meal and sure enough it is time to eat. Grazing also encourages us to eat foods that are often filled with empty calories, filled with unhealthy sugars and fats. If you are genuinely hungry, then it is time to eat real food making sure good quality protein is on the plate.

4. Dress your plate moderately. – If you have plans to attend family lunches and dinners that often display an array of fabulous fairs, perhaps you should think about pacing yourself. Instead of packing your plate with goodies that might force you to commit to consuming it all, take small bits and if you still think you can have more, then you can attempt a second go. If you managed to practice mindful eating, you would find the first plate you dished would hit the spot.

5. Plan your meals ahead of time and only buy what you need. – There is something to be said for planning ahead. It not only saves you money but also cuts down on food waste. After all, who doesn’t want to save money in December? With the cost of food rising, it may not be a bad idea to offer fewer dishes on offer and give your guests a chance to savour every bite.

With Christmas just a few days away, I pray you and your family have a most enjoyable time. Take the time to appreciate all you have been blessed with because there is always something in our lives for which we can be grateful. Some might disagree with me but I believe this is the best time of year. It’s a winner in my book, as families and friends get together and celebrate the Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The food is also a favourite part and I would like you to have fun with your Christmas dinners and remember to be kind to those who may not be with their loved ones this year. This year has been unkind to so many. I wish you peace and love to you and yours. Wishing you a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!