Nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge shares some great tips on avoiding holiday ‘silly season’ weight gain…

Christmasitis, noun: The inflammation, bloating and self-sabotaging that often begins on December 1 of a year and ends just after Australia Day at the end of the next year’s January as defined by nutritionist Michele Chevalley Hedge of A Healthy View pty ltd. 

Many people will gain one to two kilos over the holidays. The combination of summer and the festive season can catapult many of us into an eating frenzy. Christmas parties, end-of-the-year parties, welcome-to-summer parties, New Year’s Eve parties, and a host of other celebrations can bring out the Sugar Monster in the healthiest of us.

You don’t have to be a Scrooge and not enjoy the celebrations, but consider some ways to keep yourself from feeling miserable about how you indulged once the fun dies down. If you take heed of the following tips, you should feel delighted and encouraged from all the possibilities that come with the fresh start of a new year.

·         Don’t go to a party hungry. Eat before you go to an event if you don’t believe there will be healthy food choices available. You’ll have more time to socialise and you won’t be obsessed with hunger and wondering where the food is and when the next tray is coming out.

·         Try to have a glass of water between alcohol. Alcohol will add to weight gain, slow down your liver function, and may dehydrate you. Consume and enjoy but be moderate. Have a hydrating glass of sparkling mineral water between each alcoholic drink and in the morning you’ll be happy you did.

·         Choose the ‘right’ nibble. Tasty treats are abundant at holiday parties. Look for nibbles that are high protein and low in sugar. Seek out the chicken or prawn skewers. Crustless quiche, smoked salmon, bun-less sausage or even a bowl of nuts can dampen hunger without adding sugary kilojoules.

·         Get over it. If you do indulge in one too many wines or party pies, don’t carry on with guilt and self-abuse the following day. Get up and exercise and commit your new day to low-sugar, whole and fresh foods.

People who beat themselves up mentally often begin the following day by skipping breakfast. By midday or the afternoon, they then become so hungry that they roller-coaster off into indulging in convenient junk food.

·         Burn it. Celebrations and holidays are meant to be enjoyed and you will most likely over indulge at some point. Commit to a regular exercise plan to keep your metabolism fired up, your endorphins stimulated, and your mind off your next meal!
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