Top ​10 ways to avoid weight gain this Christmas.

It's no coincidence that most people start their new year with a few extra pounds,the smell of mince pies, the warmth of the Christmas pud’ and plates full of delicious carbs covered in gravy’s and sauces to die for! It’s the feastive season, where diets and caution are thrown to the wind, shaming you into yet another New Year’s Resolution promise of weight loss and exercise. But why exercise only your body when a little restraint shown now, can save you heartbreak as the year stretches out in front of you. The key is balance my festive friends. Don’t pass on the champers, put the carrot sticks away, grab that canape and enjoy – there is nothing wrong with a little treat, just exercise a little restraint, avoid overindulgence and you will successfully maintain your weight loss goals through one of the most challenging times for anyone on a weight loss journey. Let the team at BF help you to stick to your weight loss plan this Christmas by following our top 10 helpful tips!

#1. That first glass of Prosecco went down a treat, and the cheese tartlet was a revelation, but regardless of how good it tastes wait 15-20 minutes before diving in for a second helping. It can take awhile before the body acknowledges that it’s full, so grab a glass of water and enjoy the company of those around you.

#2. A full plate equals a mighty full belly, so try using a smaller plate this will result in you piling less of the naughty stuff on your plate and your hips.

#3. Balance is the key, if you deprive yourself, your more likely to collapse in a carb loaded binge, so treat but don’t overindulge.

#4. Try to eat the protein (fish, chicken, steak) and vegetable elements of your meal first. This will give you a feeling of fullness and you will eat less of the starch/carb options such as chips and potatoes which are often higher in both fat and calorie content.

#5. Christmas desserts are so tempting, but again don’t deprive yourself (we don’t want to find you hidden beneath the table gleefully smeared with profiteroles and ganache!) so why not share with a friend. After all it is the season for giving!

#6. Every good party will have a token snack table. Repeat after me “ naughty snack table” and get yourself as far away from the tempting tempura as possible. It makes sense that if your standing around it, your hungry little fingers will wander there throughout the evening.

#7. Organise your social calendar so that you can plan which nights to award yourself a treat. And balance this with ensuring the nights that you’re not out socialising that you’re eating, healthy, balanced, nutritious meals.

#8. Make sure to plan your days too. If you’re off to an event that evening, make sure to eat a smaller, lighter lunch.

#9. Overhaul the attitude – stop feeling deprived when avoiding unhealthy food choices, and instead feel empowered and proud that you made the healthy choice for your body and your health.

#10. Never give in! So you couldn't resist all the temptations and you've overindulged – don’t beat yourself up, your only human and trifles were made for tucking into. Just dust yourself off, throw the guilts in the bin (with the trifle leftovers!) and resume your diet as soon as possible.

What motivation works for you in keeping your weight loss goals on track?