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Get in shape for Christmas

The festive season, as we all know, is a time of peace, glad tidings and, all too often, overindulgence for all men. And though a little of what you fancy is great from time to time, it’s the ‘little’ part of that gem of motherly advice that somehow gets lost amongst the turkey and tinsel at this time of year.

According to Ursula Arens of the British Dietetic Association, people gain an average of 5lbs (2kg) in the four-week Christmas period. She says: “Trying to lose weight over Christmas is totally ridiculous and socially unpleasant. You just need to aim for stability.”

So while gaining a couple of pounds may be inevitable, you can still make merry without being a Crimbo killjoy. Because nobody likes a calorie-counting bore – especially at Christmas.

Follow our simple tips to lessen the damage.

Choose your booze

Parties are major calorie culprits, but choosing your tipple sensibly is a no-brainer. Drinking wine instead of cocktails or creamy tipples such as Baileys can help keep things under control. You can also add fizzy water to white wine for spritzers, giving you a drink that lasts longer with no extra calories. Alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of water is another good moderation trick.

Step away from the buffet

Party food can be disastrous, and with drunkenness lowering the inhibitions, it’s all too easy to consume the equivalent of a whole meal just in canapés. A sensible trick is to serve yourself a portion of party nibbles on a side plate, rather than constantly reaching for a large bowl. Mince pie management is also vital (240 calories a pop). A simple but effective trick, says Ursula Arens, is to ditch the pastry top. “One flick of your finger cuts a third of the calories without impairing your enjoyment.”

The big one

Remember, the Christmas Day blow-out will not push you up a dress size: the real issue is the weeks of abandonment either side.

It’s relatively simple to make your Christmas meal skinny-jean friendly: choose white turkey meat, remove the skin (saving 50 calories per portion) and stack high on veggies. Opting for a low-cal starter will also help you feel fuller sooner, so you’re far less likely to go crazy on rich puddings. Remember, too, that the Christmas Day blow-out will not push you up a dress size: the real issue is the weeks of abandonment either side.

Keep on moving 

OK, we’re not suggesting you join a daily circuit class, but you don’t have to blow off your fitness regime until the New Year. Get out in the winter air, whether for a brisk walk or some present-buying, and check out whether there are ice rinks in your area for a bit of seasonal fat-burning. And don’t underestimate the effects of dancing – remember, it’s exceptionally difficult to dance and eat simultaneously!

Keep motivated

It’s all too easy to throw in the towel, especially when (baby) it’s cold outside and you’re living among mega-sized tins of chocolates. Arens suggests “a glorious sweet-eating time” once a day, when you open the tin, scoff a few, then put the lid on until the next day. Moderation is the key to motivation – if you allow yourself a few pleasures, you’re far less likely to fall off the wagon.

Foods that fill

Soups, baked potatoes (go light on the cheesy topping), wholegrain pasta, beans and eggs all score highly on the satiety table, and feeling fuller for longer means you’re likely to consume fewer calories in the long run.

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