We just got back from the winter holiday, and for most of us, we just got our bearings on going back to eating… healthy! Ok maybe healthy is a big word, but definitely we are at a point where we are making the effort not to splurge, and we succeeded! We have used all our will power and here we are… starting to get there, exercising, eating more fruits and veggies, giving up alcohol and sweets… (ok here, maybe I have gone a little overboard.)
Unfortunately the CNY Holliday is just around the corner and we will be back where we started…
Most of us are going to some beautiful resort, hanging out on the beach, or by the pool, in an all inclusive all you can eat and all you can drink resort, and maybe it’s not all inclusive but it feels like it, full of people constantly tempting you with all these delicious fruity drinks and all that delicious food that you only get “once a year” in these amazing exotic places! And you start by saying NO, but after a few days, how can you RESIST?
Research shows that this “normal” behaviour of overindulging can put you on a slippery slope to pack on the pounds.
Lets do things differently this year, read below for healthy tips on how to go on your trip, enjoy and stay healthy!
DON’T SKIP YOUR MEALS!
Everyone goes to the resort and feels like they can skip one or two meals during the day… anyway they don’t need it… so the start the day of right, water, maybe a fresh coconut or two and then by two o’clock you start with can do with a drink or two and before you know it you are starving and cannot control what you are putting in your mouth!
Studies show that skipping meals wont save you calories - in fact at the end… we tend to eat more!
IF YOU SKIP A MEAL - DEFINITELY DON'T SKIP BREAKFAST!
We are all different and therefore thrice on different foods, if you need help figuring out what works best for you – let’s talk. Meanwhile eat foods that give you energy, keep you healthy and don’t pack on the pounds… eggs, veggies, fruits, smoothies nuts and seeds, oats, maybe even some plain yogurt —not all at the same time obviously!
HAVE A MID AFTERNOON SNACK.
Don’t fast for 8 hours before you go for dinner or by the time you get there you can eat everything in sight! Have a little afternoon snack (a mindful one that is NOT coffee and cake) eat a protein bar, eat some fruit and vegetables, make yourself a tomato salad… have a plain yogurt with some nuts and fruit (packed with protein).
DON’T GO CRAZY AT THE BUFFET!
If you are going to go for dinner and the only choice you have is a buffet (and if it’s not buffet don't get tempted by the unhealthy appetizers) start with a healthy salad, pack it in, full of all the colours of the rainbow. Make sure you dress it with olive oil (good fat) and vinegar or lemon, chew slowly and enjoy it, and then get up and get what you want to eat! By then you wont be as hungry… eat smaller portions of the things you love and you might even be able to skip them, especially if you are on a beach where fish is aplenty! Choose the grilled fish or the steamed fish! It is a treat… especially if you come from shanghai!
ALWAYS GO FOR QUALITY!
Whatever you put into your mouth make sure that is the best healthiest choice you can make for that moment, in other words if you are going to splurge and get desert… make sure it is worth it, and if it is… maybe you can share it… so its not all for you… the truth is you only really need a few bites to make yourself happy!
DON’T GO CRAZY WITH THE DRINKS!
I know, you are going to hate me for saying this… but once in a while say no to the alcohol, and get a healthier choice. Water? Soda water? Coconut water? All great choices! I’m not saying always, as a general rule try one glass of alcohol to 2 glasses of water, take a break in between drinks!
WHEN THE NIGHT BEFORE YOU FAILED… GO BACK TO THE BASICS IN THE MORNING!
Don’t punch yourself for splurging the night before or going over board… just go back to where you started… good healthy breakfast, more water less drinks less junk more veg!
Going on holiday and being “good” is hard, especially since we feel we are not really on holiday if we don’t “let go”! Unfortunately most of the foods we let go on are filled with fat, sugar, salt and processed ingredients… all things that can cause bloating, congestion, constipation, headaches, or even mood swings
Be Pro active, use these planning tips and have an amazing Chinese New Year holiday!
If you would like to learn more about how a one-on-one coaching can help with healthy and mindful eating for you as an individual or for your whole family, I’m here to help you! Send me an email to learn more about what I do and to schedule a free consultation with me!