Fitness Lover’s Guide to Christmas Nutrition

Nov. 8, 2012 - PRLog -- With Christmas party’s, office do’s, social events and family get togethers over the festive period it is very easy to gain a few extra pounds. The abundance of extra food is normally more indulgent than the food we would normally eat so USA Pro Team’s Nutritionist and Personal Trainer Lucy Wyndham-Read has put together the following tips to help keep track of your waistline over the Christmas period.

Tip 1: As tempting as it is to have one or two of those chocolates given to the office, try and enjoy the taste of will power more! These brightly packaged sweets can contain up to 50 calories at a time and the sugar in them will make you feel tired and more likely to reach for more.

Tip 2: While out for Christmas drinks make sure you avoid those creamy liquors; instead opt for spritzers and always add ice to your drink. A sophisticated Bloody Mary is both healthy and virtuous, as it will supply one of your five a day.

Tip 3: Canapés may seem like tiny little treats that are sent from heaven but are often stuffed with salt and sugar and are high in fat. Try and choose the smoked salmon option over the creamy mushroom stuffed voluez vent.

Tip 4: If you can’t give up those roast potatoes in your Christmas dinner cut them big and chunky so they will absorb less oil whilst roasting. If you would prefer a healthier option go for sweet potato mash or boiled new potatoes.

Tip 5: Christmas dinner can actually be a very healthy meal if you go for turkey breast without the skin, have lots of vegetables, boil your potatoes and skip the bread sauce. The meal then becomes very healthy and stops you feeling bloated.

Tip 6: We all love a mince pie but often the pre packed options are made with thick pastry cases that are laden with calories and high in fat. To combat this problem why not make your own using light filo pastry cases without the pastry lid which not only reduces the calories and fat content but will also impress the girls in the office.

Tip 7: Instead of crisps and creamy dips go for vegetable crudities and make a low fat Tzatziki dip. Use low fat yoghurt with added cucumber chunks, a sprinkle of dill and poppy seed for an extra crunch.

Tip 8: If you can’t resist the Christmas cake take off the icing and marzipan, as this will save you lots of calories.

Tip 9: When eating out for a Christmas lunch always opt for a healthy starter like a clear soup, salmon or melon.

Tip 10: If all else fails look at adding some fat burning foods to your daily diet so you can counter balance those naughty treats. Great fat burners are mustard powder, which you can add to your scrambled egg in the morning or cinnamon, which you can sprinkle on your porridge or morning latte.