And just like that it’s December and the holiday festive season is upon us. We’re all planning out brunches and lunches and dinners and sorting through our wardrobes for outfits to wear. The merriment is practically tangible; I know I have a funny springiness to my walk.

But there’s that nagging feeling that just wont go away. It’s definitely nudging and poking and just plain THERE at the back of all our minds. “URRRGH I’m going to gain like 20 pounds before New Year!” And then there’s the cliché pacifying we do to try and make ourselves feel better – “oh well I’ll be good after New Year.”

Don’t worry it’s not just you! I have yet to meet a single person who doesn’t have these thoughts and after much trial and error and painstakingly guilty moments/days I’ve come up with a solution as to how to beat that holiday binge. It really works and truth be told I find myself being able to enjoy the holiday season even more. So here it is …

1) Don’t slack off!– It is extremely easy to fall into holiday mode and fall off your fitness routine but don’t. Seriously don’t! It will surprise you how much better you’ll feel when faced with decadent food knowing that you’ve put in an hour of working out before. It’s hard and chances are you’d rather lie but make the effort and push yourself to go do that workout. Nothing counters guilt quite like this!

2) Snack before – This is extremely effective in ensuring that I don’t turn into a piggy at the dining table. Before socializing I grab a small snack at home. Make sure this one is healthy so protein and good fat based. An example would be some cucumber and almonds or a low calorie protein shake. Berries with Greek yoghurt too are an option. You’ll automatically find yourself less likely to binge later.

3) Place seating – Sit far away from the food. No I’m not kidding because when you do and once you’ve eaten you’re less likely to make frequent trips to the buffet. Having the food nearby never helped anyone. Sit far far FAR AWAY !

4) Feast your eyes – Sounds corny but I promise you there is a huge connection between seeing food and achieving a sense of satiety. Scout the meal spread. Do your rounds of the buffet! See all that there is on offer and decide what you want the most and what isn’t worthy of your attention and a space on your plate. I am definitely a weakling in the face of dessert and so I tend to devote less time and tummy/plate space to appetizers and mains. This is quantity control! Without this if you hit the buffet blindly you’re very likely to keep piling things onto your plate unnecessarily

5) Hydration – No I am not talking about champagne here J I am referring to the elixir of life. Keep drinking water throughout your meal. Another sure way to cut down on the bingeing. Far too often we mistaken thirst for hunger and consciously sipping on water will prevent that grave mistake. It’s also worth mentioning that controlling the alcohol and fizzy beverages you drink will also in turn ensure a decrease in your bingeing as well as the extra calories.

Now that you’re armed and foreward, go forth and be Merry and I will see you in the New Year 🙂