7 Smart Ways to Ditch Festive Calories and Stay Fit

Weight gain woes? Here are expert tips to avoid gaining extra calories and stay fit this festive season

19 November, 2020

7 Smart Ways to Ditch Festive Calories and Stay Fit

Weight gain woes? Here are expert tips to avoid gaining extra calories and stay fit this festive season

“Increase your NEAT or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It is a fancy name given to the amount of energy expended as we talk, walk, stand, tidy the house, run errands, or even fidget. So if you are not able to do your planned exercise routine, stay active and do your chores,” says Jyoti. You can keep yourself busy with festive cleaning, walking, and throw in some fun activities like dancing with family and friends. You can also sign up for workplace or community fitness events online.

11. Stay“Increase your NEAT or Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis. It is a fancy name given to the amount of energy expended as we talk, walk, stand, tidy the house, run errands, or even fidget. So if you are not able to do your planned exercise routine, stay active and do your chores,” says Jyoti. You can keep yourself busy with festive cleaning, walking, and throw in some fun activities like dancing with family and friends. You can also sign up for workplace or community fitness events online.

Rather than ordering online, prepare food at home. During the festive season, unhealthy snacks like cookies and other goodies tend to be available at your fingertips. When treats are easily accessible, you’re more likely to snack unnecessarily. “So, start by keeping treats out of sight. If you are hungry or craving a snack, opt for less calorie-dense foods like fruits and vegetables. You will find it easier to limit yourself and also they don’t contain added sugars or unhealthy fats, both of which can cause weight gain,” advises Jyoti.

23. Stick to home-cookedRather than ordering online, prepare food at home. During the festive season, unhealthy snacks like cookies and other goodies tend to be available at your fingertips. When treats are easily accessible, you’re more likely to snack unnecessarily. “So, start by keeping treats out of sight. If you are hungry or craving a snack, opt for less calorie-dense foods like fruits and vegetables. You will find it easier to limit yourself and also they don’t contain added sugars or unhealthy fats, both of which can cause weight gain,” advises Jyoti.

Opt for a smaller plate, this will help you moderate the food you eat at one go. Refrain from reaching out for a second helping as this can add to unnecessary calorie intake. “Educate yourself about calories in the common food items that you come across in this festive season. The idea is not to get scared but to be mindful,” says Jyoti.

34.Be mindful of what you eat and watch yourOpt for a smaller plate, this will help you moderate the food you eat at one go. Refrain from reaching out for a second helping as this can add to unnecessary calorie intake. “Educate yourself about calories in the common food items that you come across in this festive season. The idea is not to get scared but to be mindful,” says Jyoti.

Alcohol, fruit juices and other calorie-rich beverages are an intrinsic part of festivities nowadays. Although these drinks seem harmless while celebrating, you’ll be surprised to know that they contain a lot of calories. Jyoti says, “a single serving of your favourite soft drink has more than 150 calories depending on how much you consume! These drinks can add a significant amount of empty calories to your diet, which in turn causes weight gain. You can opt for diet versions of the soft drinks, but for some people, the fizzy drinks can also cause digestive distress, and are best avoided. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased appetite and is a risk factor for weight gain.”

45. Watch what you drinkAlcohol, fruit juices and other calorie-rich beverages are an intrinsic part of festivities nowadays. Although these drinks seem harmless while celebrating, you’ll be surprised to know that they contain a lot of calories. Jyoti says, “a single serving of your favourite soft drink has more than 150 calories depending on how much you consume! These drinks can add a significant amount of empty calories to your diet, which in turn causes weight gain. You can opt for diet versions of the soft drinks, but for some people, the fizzy drinks can also cause digestive distress, and are best avoided. Additionally, alcohol consumption has been linked to an increased appetite and is a risk factor for weight gain.”

Many people spend a lot of time cooking and baking during the festive season. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to weight gain because it’s easy to taste-test every dish. We know that tasting your dishes is important, especially if you’re cooking for others, but a tiny nibble is probably more than enough.

56. Be careful of that 'one bite' of everything that comes inMany people spend a lot of time cooking and baking during the festive season. Unsurprisingly, this can lead to weight gain because it’s easy to taste-test every dish. We know that tasting your dishes is important, especially if you’re cooking for others, but a tiny nibble is probably more than enough.

If you have a dinner planned for the evening, you can compensate by eating a low-calorie but filling lunch. Some examples are a hot salad with tofu for protein, a wrap of soybeans and green salad. This will help you keep your overall calories in check. Another trick is to already have your dinner from home before heading out! If this seems too extreme, instead you can opt for a small protein snack to avoid feeling famished at the party. Remember to educate yourself about the calories and protein content of commonly accessible food items. While staying on top of your weight goals can feel daunting during the festive season, multiple tips and tricks can help keep you healthy, happy, and weight-conscious during this time of year. “Beyond general dietary measures, you must make sure that you’re exercising and limiting your intake of festive treats. If you’re diligent, you may find that you have not only prevented weight gain but even shed some extra weight during this celebratory season,” concludes Jyoti.

67. Plan, and distribute calorie intake If you have a dinner planned for the evening, you can compensate by eating a low-calorie but filling lunch. Some examples are a hot salad with tofu for protein, a wrap of soybeans and green salad. This will help you keep your overall calories in check. Another trick is to already have your dinner from home before heading out! If this seems too extreme, instead you can opt for a small protein snack to avoid feeling famished at the party. Remember to educate yourself about the calories and protein content of commonly accessible food items. While staying on top of your weight goals can feel daunting during the festive season, multiple tips and tricks can help keep you healthy, happy, and weight-conscious during this time of year. “Beyond general dietary measures, you must make sure that you’re exercising and limiting your intake of festive treats. If you’re diligent, you may find that you have not only prevented weight gain but even shed some extra weight during this celebratory season,” concludes Jyoti.

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