The Christmas and end of year period is a challenge for those who want to keep their weight under control.
A study carried out by the European Medical Institute of Obesity (IMEO) showed that six out of ten people gain between 2 and 3 kilos in these festivities.
It's the fault of excessive calorie intake (sugar, alcohol and fats), not only at Christmas dinner and lunch, but also at the dinners and lunches of companies, friends and groups 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 lack of physical activity, since around 70% of individuals stop playing sports and adopt the sofa as their new best friend.
In addition to weight gain, gastrointestinal problems and increased cholesterol, glucose and triglycerides may also occur, worsening pre-existing diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and others.
Headaches and feeling unwell 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 festivities in the best way possible, without any extra weight on the scale or conscience.
- Use the food supplements that help reduce the absorption of sugars and fats, speed up metabolism and help drain and purify. Easyslim Party Box was designed to help compensate for excesses, and contains a blocker, a thermogenic and a draining agent. The 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 predictably 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 and can also be useful.
- Drink plenty water and herbal teas like the ones from Desinchá before meals to feel full faster and afterwards for a detox effect.
- Eat slowly so that your brain realizes that it is full and in small portions and don't repeat. You can also use small plates to get the feeling of a "full plate".
- Do calorie restriction with light meals on the previous and following days or practice intermittent fasting if there are no contraindications. Limit your caffeine and salt intake and focus on vegetables.
- Do not abuse Avoid drinking alcohol and sugary drinks and don't forget to drink water in between to stay hydrated. Toast with sips, never fill the glass and always keep water nearby.
- Start or follow meals with soup, vegetables and greens.
- Distribute the leftovers so as not to fall into temptation and share with family, friends, neighbors or institutions.
- Don't snack between meals or while cooking. If you feel really hungry, opt for fruit and vegetables (for example raw carrot sticks) and clear the table at the end of meals so that temptations are not always in sight (and within reach).
- Move it, continuing to play sports, taking walks in nature with family and friends or dancing to your favorite soundtrack or Christmas songs.
- Plan Plan Christmas dinners in advance, marking the dates on the calendar to have lighter meals on that day and compensate for the extra calories. Set limits on the number of events and make healthier and more conscious choices. For example, if possible, opt for lean meats and fish and grilled or boiled foods instead of fried and with sauces.
You can also make some changes to the preparation of dishes and desserts, such as reducing the amount of sugar and salt and replacing whole milk with skimmed milk, if you are willing to deviate from traditional recipes. Another suggestion, perhaps more consensual, is to reduce the amount of number of desserts, dishes and starters on each occasion and make, for example, French toast at Christmas and coscorões on Epiphany.
There is no need to be too restrictive, and if you do indulge in the odd indulgence, you won't waste your year-long effort to stay in shape. It's all a matter of common sense and balance, and you can correct it in the following days.
Have fun in good company and without guilt and have some Happy Holidays and Health!