How to Avoid Putting on Weight at Christmas (& still enjoy yourself!) 

We all want to have fun at Christmas but no-one wants to put on excess weight. Follow the tips below if you want to know how to avoid putting on extra weight, and still enjoy yourself. 

Start your day on the right foot

Practise Gratitude. Spend 5 minutes thinking about all the things you are grateful for in your life. This will put you in a positive frame of mind and colour your whole day in a happy way. When you're in a good state of mind you're more likely to make healthy choices to nourish your body. Being a mother and having our little ones is such a precious gift which we can all appreciate.

Eat breakfast

People who eat breakfast tend to eat less over the whole day than people who don't eat breakfast. This is because people who don't eat breakfast are generally hungrier later in the day which can cause overeating. An In Shape Mummy Health Shake is a quick, easy and healthy breakfast.

Eat Mindfully

Chew slowly and savour every bite. When you chew slowly you give your brain a chance to let your body know when you're full.

What to do if you get chocolates as a gift?

If you get chocolates as a gift, re-gift them to someone else! If there are more chocolates already open make a plan to enjoy a couple - and give the rest to guests to take home to avoid temptation!

Eat before you go out

If you’re going out to a celebration have a healthy snack like a banana before you go so you don't arrive too hungry and want to eat everything in sight.

Watch your drinks

The calories and sugar in drinks can add up quickly. Get some sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon instead of soft drinks, cordial, fruit juice and alcohol. If you’re going to have alcohol go for gin or vodka with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon, orange or lime. 

Skip the sauces

Creamy or buttery sauces are not a good idea if you want to manage your weight. If you really enjoy them, just add a tiny bit rather than a lot so you don't feel like you are missing out.

Fill up on healthiest options first

Fill up on the healthiest options at the table first like vegetables and fruit before you indulge on the rest. It's a bad idea to be hungry at dessert time if you want to manage your weight!

Seconds anyone?

Try to avoid having seconds if you can. Eating too much food lead to weight gain. But if you like the act of having seconds, make each plate half the size. That way you can still feel like your having seconds and won't feel like your missing out. If you’re having seconds go fill your plate primarily with the healthy stuff.  

How about treats?

If you really want that a treat, have it! But just have a smaller portion. Cut yourself a thin slice to minimise the calories. Or share a plate with your partner or kids. 

Drink enough water

Did you know our brains can mistake thirst for hunger? Aim to drink 2 litres of water a day to help you avoid overeating. Overeating leads to weight gain. Fill up a 1 litre water bottle or sports bottle and carry it around with you all day. Flavour it by adding in fresh cut up fruit to make it more exciting. If you're feeling hungry have a glass of water first to make sure it is not thirst. This will help you not to overeat.

Keep moving

Try to get more steps into your day. A 30 minute walk is ideal. You can split it into 2 lots of 15 minutes if need be. If you don't have time even a 10 minute walk will help. Walking not only burns calories, but it releases endorphins ("feel good" chemicals) in your brain. And it helps you make healthy choices - when you  feel healthy it makes you want to eat healthy. Each morning when you wake up put your work out clothes on first. This will make you feel more like exercising. Get them ready the night before.

Have 2 Shakes to reduce calories

If you're planning on a big celebration lunch or dinner, have In Shape Mummy Health Shakes for 2 of your other meals in the day to help you reduce your overall calories in the day. This will help you manage your weight.

Enjoy the day

Christmas is a time to enjoy! Above all else we hope you have a special day with your little ones!

If you do overindulge it is not the end of the world. You can always get back on track afterwards. If you know you're going to overindulge, make a commitment to yourself beforehand that you're going to manage your week afterwards. Why not invest in one of our In Shape Mummy Health Shakes before hand? Having that commitment will mean you can indulge yourself without feeling guilty!

From the team at In Shape Mummy, Merry Christmas to you and your precious family! xx

Did you know there are 2 types of In Shape Mummy Health Shakes?

We want to help mums of all stages of life look and feel their best. 

That’s why we have two options to help you get the best  results. One to support breastfeeding mums and the other to support mums who are not breastfeeding.