personal trainer Highgate

It is that time of year where you have numerous parties to go to, endless amounts of food and drink to consume. Usually any progress you have made in the gym would take a few backward steps during the party season. So how can you stay lean and keep the festive fat off your body? During this blog we will take a look at tips on how to stay lean and cheat your way through parties or even better, help to improve your body composition ready for the New Year.

1)      Think Nutrition before Parties

Many people make the mistake of not eating much before they go to a party where there will be lots of food.
Instead make sure you eat well throughout the day consuming all the nutrients from different food groups you need, making sure you feel full when you go to the party will deter you from consuming so much food when you are there.

Because you feel fuller with good nutritious sources of food you will be in a better position to pick out healthy food choices at the party escaping the urge to eat sugary foods or high salt options.

2)      Bring a Healthy Dish to Share

Sometimes preparing your own dish to take to a party is a great idea. This means you will defiantly have an option of something tasty and healthy to eat at the party.

3)      Do not drink calories

Drinking plenty of water is the foundation of good nutrition so the only fluids you should be drinking is water with the exception of green tea.

Many people don’t realize the amount of empty calories which are within soft drinks usually containing high levels of sugar, too much for your body to use as energy consequently storing it as fat.

Alcoholic drinks should be avoided as much as possible.

When you consume alcohol you will spike your blood sugar levels meaning your setting yourself up for a crash. Your body has to work very hard to break alcohol down meaning anything you have eaten or drunk will not be digested and your body will not be unable to use the calories so it will get stored as excess fat.
So when you are at a party just drink water instead and avoid consuming empty calories.

4)      No second portions

Because you have already eaten well before the party and consumed all the good food sources your body needs. This should be made easier than if you starved yourself before hand, so pick out sensible food options and fill your plate and don’t go back for seconds. If you pick foods high in protein and some foods high in fibre you will feel fuller quicker.

5)      Taste the pudding don’t eat it

There will be many tempting treats and puddings over the Christmas period.

The best way around this is to just taste it, don’t actually eat it. By tasting it you will learn satisfy your sweet tooth while not consuming a normal portion.

If you can learn how to do this you will certainly be feeling leaner and healthier through Out the Christmas period.