How to Indulge (Without Having to Bulge) Over Christmas

Recent research by tech giant MSN found that on average, people gain between 5 and 7lb over the four-week Christmas period - and this can take an astonishing three months to come back off. The research also found that on average, we eat between 2500 and 3500 calories at our Christmas dinner - not to mention the buttery, rich breakfast, the booze, the champagne cocktails, the Christmas pud and the late afternoon snacks. It's little surprise that we gain so much weight over Christmas, but how can it be avoided? It's the one time of year that you want to kick back and relax with your family - and it's the one time of year that it's okay to overindulge. But if you don't want to gain weight, all is not lost - you can indulge over Christmas without packing on the pounds. It just takes a little planning.

The Key is Moderation

You probably hear this all the time. But the key to maintaining your weight - or even losing a little bit over Christmas is to eat the foods you love in moderation. Mulled wine? Pass me a cup. Spiced gingerbread? Yes please! Chocolate truffles? Oh, go on then! You can enjoy all of these things and more, but the key is to remember that you can enjoy these things in moderation. For example, a cup of mulled wine is plenty. Half a slice of gingerbread is more than a taste and two chocolate truffles is just enough to feel like you've indulged without going over the top. 

Enjoy Your Food

We all have a tendency to overeat at Christmas because that's just what you do. But it doesn't have to be. Just because people usually have lots of parties, eat lots of food, drink lots of beer, eat lots of cake and wake up on Boxing Day still too full up from the day before to eat breakfast doesn't mean that that is the way it has to be. We eat so much that we forget to enjoy what we're eating and to really taste our food. Whenever you eat something that's a treat, or that you restrict your intake of over Christmas, eat it with pleasure! Really savor the flavors in your mouth and let them tingle on your tongue. Once you've eaten a bite or two - or once you've finished the plate of food, sit back and think to yourself, "Do I really need another bite? Or am I happy and satiated with what I just ate?" Taking the time to enjoy the food that you're eating is really important when it comes to resisting that next mouthful.

Read More: Christmas Health Hazards: How To Stay Out Of The Er This Holiday

Tuck into your Christmas meal with abandon and make sure you enjoy yourself - after all, it's probably the meal that you take the most care over out of the whole year.

Nothing Is Forbidden

Those of us who are on a diet over Christmas - and let's face it, that's millions of us! - often get stuck in the "I can't eat that food, it's forbidden and doesn't fit with my diet" mentality. But that's absolutely not true. Nothing at all is forbidden. The sooner you realize that no food is forbidden and that as long as you enjoy things in moderation, the "I must eat it all and I must it now" mentality will start to fade and you will be satisfied with those smaller portions. You will! We promise!

Move More

Just because it's winter doesn't mean that you can't exercise. If you move more and burn more calories off over the Christmas period, you shouldn't do too much damage on the scales. Go for a bracing walk with all of the family on Boxing Day, play silly video games on Christmas Day when everyone's energy starts to flag mid-afternoon to get everyone moving and get yourself back in the gym as soon as the festivities are over. Not got time to go to the gym? Spend half an hour playing something like the Wii Fit or jogging around your house and you'll definitely see a difference. If you know that you're going to be too busy to stick to a regular exercise regime, think about the days that you can exercise - instead of thinking "I have no time to exercise!" Note down when you will be able to exercise and stick to it. Even if you can only exercise twice a week, that's better than none! And instead of making yourself feel bad about not exercising enough, congratulate yourself on taking the time out to better yourself during the holidays.

Read More: Celebrating Christmas And New Year Without Alcohol: The Most Delicious Non-Alcoholic Drinks

Make Clever Choices

The general rule to stick to is to make clever choices. And if you don't know what is a good choice and what isn't? Try to avoid creamy sauces, toppings and pastries, as well as fried goods - if you're heading to a canape party, your best bet is to go for the baked goods or the salad, if there is one. If you do want to indulge, have just a handful - one handful of nuts, then stop. One handful of crisps, then stop. If you want a chocolate, have one - but just one. When it comes to choosing your alcohol - a tricky decision, we know! - your best options are clear liquors like vodka or whisky with diet mixers. Spritzers are the best way to enjoy wine, as they last much longer than wine alone. It's also a good idea to always pour cocktails and creamy drinks, if you must have them, over ice. Let the ice melt a little so that the drink is diluted and it'll last longer.

Maintaining your weight and indulging without the bulge over Christmas can be done. Practice the tips above, along with mindful eating, and you'll get there.