Christmas eating piling on the pounds
Dear Donovan,
I expect to eat a lot this Christmas — in fact I have already started on the cake and sorrel and I really can’t help myself. I am hoping to get back to a healthier diet after Christmas, but for now I just can’t resist the Christmas fare. Over the past couple weeks I’ve gained about eight pounds, as I’ve been to a few Christmas parties, and bought a couple cakes that I just had to taste. How can I have more control over my eating habits this holiday season, without denying myself the pleasure of food? I am 39 years old and 5’4, and right now I’m 140 pounds. I had been 131 pounds, and comfortable at that weight, for the last couple years. I have a swimming pool at home that I use sometimes. Can I use this after meals to work off some of the pounds? Please don’t suggest that I eat vegetables, because I’m planning to really chow down for Christmas!
I see where you have started your Christmas eating early and you have nine pounds to show for it. If you continue on the same path, in January you will not have any proper fitting clothes and who knows what else could happen. It is always best to try and lose a few pounds before the holidays, as well as before travels and vacations. Let’s say that you had lost 12-14 pounds before you started eating. At the end of Christmas, you would have likely been closer to your ideal weight.
Since you are determined to eat in the Christmas period, my advice will obviously be for the next eating period. It’s just a matter of making sure you are not too heavy in January.
The first point is that you have a pool at home so you could try and get in some exercise. You should try for at least half hour to 45 minutes in as many days as you can get.
Usually during Christmas and the holiday periods exercise gets a break. However, in your case the rule should be no exercise, no eating! Exercise will help to burn off some if the extra calories you consume during the Christmas period.
In addition, you could also prepare for your major eating times during the season. For example, if you have a big dinner to attend, you could always have a light breakfast and lunch and make most of the calories come from the dinner. In that way it is possible to control your calorie intake on that day. In addition, you should also make sure that you try and eat on time. If you get too hungry before meals there will be the chance that you will overeat.
Drinking a lot of water between meals might also help to reduce your appetite. It might be possible to also reduce the size of each of your meals. So you can eat everything on the table, but in small portions. It is also not a bad idea to pay attention to the size of your plate. A full small plate will normally have fewer calories than a full large plate with the same items.
That said, it might also not be a bad idea to do a detox programme on the nights where you totally ate too much and are fully stuffed. However, at this stage, do the best you can over the festive season and as soon as January comes, start a weight loss programme pronto.
Good luck and a Merry Christmas to all my readers.
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
