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Food & fluids

Navigating Christmas without weight gain

Measurement is an important evaluation tool at any time of the year, it is only human nature to want some means of measuring progress; however can we rely solely upon any particular measure and expect to obtain a reliable result?

For each aspect of life we require some measure to determine our successes or failures, our growth, strengths and weaknesses. The practicality of identifying one sole measure to determine our existence is unimaginable. However many individuals continuously allow one measure to dominate their life (e.g weight change).

Christmas is a difficult time of year for most. Pressure is mounting, expectations are raised and evaluations are made regardless of their necessity or benefit. Weight gain and body image are common associations with this time of year; however don’t let the scales put out your Christmas spark. Take time to ensure your methods of evaluation are suited to the goals you wish to measure. Scales indicate your weight only; they don’t take into consideration your dress size or changes in body composition. Keep positive and focused upon your goals, they can be achieved!

Here are some tips to ensure you get through the trimmings of Christmas and happily welcome in the New Year:

  • Watch out for signs of loneliness, boredom or frustration as these often lead to overeating. Occupy your time with positive energy and thought.
  • Maintain holiday energy levels through eating and exercising well.
  • Maintain a consistent meal pattern, and ensure you always have breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • Use ready sliced ham to prevent the everlasting leftover syndrome from halting your progress
  • Choose and use low-fat dairy products; trim milk, yoghurts, sorbets
  • Keep Christmas cake slices to finger size and freeze any leftovers for another special occasion when others are around.
  • Reduce your intake of chocolates, nuts and mince pies by sharing them with visitors and friends.
  • Keep up your fitness level and assist others to raise the bar!

About the author View all

Lea Stening

Lea is one of New Zealand’s leading paediatric dietitians and also specialises in Sports Nutrition. She has specialised in Paediatric Nutrition for 31 years and in 1985 was the first paediatric dietitian to enter private practice in New Zealand. Lea helps families through her private consultations, public lectures, newspaper and magazine articles as well as television and radio interviews. Read more »

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