The Christmas season and the end of the year are a challenge for anyone who wants to keep their weight under control.
A study carried out by the European Medical Institute for Obesity (IMEO) showed that six out of ten people gain between 2 and 3 kilos during these festivities.
The blame lies with the excessive intake of calories (sugar, alcohol and fats), not only at Christmas dinner and lunch, but at the dinners and lunches of companies, friends and communities that precede them. And then comes New Year's Eve with another banquet. And, as if that weren't enough, we finally have Three Kings Day, for some a mini Christmas!
The same study also reveals that part of the responsibility lies with the lack of physical activity , since around 70% of individuals suspend sports and adopt the sofa as their new best friend.
In addition to weight gain, gastrointestinal problems and an increase in cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides can also occur, worsening pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and others.
Headaches and poor mood can result from the combination of excessive alcohol and salt consumption and reduced water intake with dehydration and increased blood pressure.
We will leave you with some easy strategies to enjoy the holidays in the best way, without extra weight on the scale or on your conscience .
- Use dietary supplements that help reduce the absorption of sugars and fats, speed up metabolism and help drain and purify. The Easyslim Festas Box was designed to help compensate for excesses, and contains a blocker, a thermogenic and a draining agent. Easyslim Blocker , with chitosan, helps block the absorption of fats and carbohydrates by the body while helping to control appetite and should be taken before eating predictable high-calorie meals. Easyslim Detox Plus with artichoke, fennel, carnitine, has a purifying action, promotes digestion and helps prevent fluid retention. Easyslim Thermo Fit with cayenne pepper, guarana and ginger increases thermogenesis and helps speed up metabolism.
- Other supplements with CLA, Chromium, fiber and probiotics may also be useful.
- Drink plenty of water and herbal teas like those from Desinchá before meals to feel full more quickly and afterwards for a detox effect.
- Eat slowly so your brain realizes you are full. and in small portions and do not repeat. You can also use small plates to get the feeling of a “full plate”.
- Restrict calories with light meals in the previous and following days or practice intermittent fasting if there are no contraindications. Limit caffeine and salt consumption and focus on vegetables.
- Don't abuse alcohol and sugary drinks and don't forget to alternate with water to stay hydrated. Toast with sips, never fill the glass and always keep water nearby.
- Start or accompany meals with soup, legumes and vegetables.
- Distribute leftovers to avoid temptation and share with family, friends, neighbors or institutions.
- Do not snack between meals or while cooking. If you really feel hungry, choose fruit and vegetables (for example, raw carrot sticks) and clear the table at the end of a meal so that temptations are not always in sight (and within reach).
- Get moving by continuing to play sports, taking walks in nature with family and friends or dancing to your favorite soundtrack or Christmas songs.
- Plan Christmas dinners in advance, marking dates on the calendar to make lighter meals that day and compensate for the extra calories. Set limits on the number of events and make healthier, more conscious choices. For example, if possible, opt for lean meats and fish and grilled or boiled instead of fried and with sauces.
You can also make some changes to the preparation of dishes and desserts and reduce the amount of sugar and salt and replace full-fat milk with skimmed milk, if you are willing to not follow traditional recipes. Another suggestion, perhaps more consensual, would be to reduce the number of desserts, dishes and starters on each occasion and make, for example, rabanadas at Christmas and coscorões on Three Kings Day.
You don't need to be too restrictive and, if you make one or two exaggerations, you won't waste your entire year's effort to stay in line. It's all a matter of common sense and balance and can be corrected in the following days.
Have fun in good company and without guilt and have a Happy and Healthy Holidays !