Five helpful tips for a lighter Christmas

18 December 2008

Jenny Craig says “Have your Christmas cake and eat it too”.

Five helpful tips for a lighter Christmas this year

With one week until Christmas, Jenny Craig, one of New Zealand’s leading weight management companies, shares some helpful tips to avoid unnecessary Christmas calories while still enjoying your favourite treats.

There are many tempting foods on offer over the festive season, and overindulgence is common. By following these tips you can have your Christmas cake and eat it too!

1.       Water is important. Keeping hydrated helps you eat less (thirst can often be misinterpreted as hunger), and it will help to keep you feeling full. Drink a large glass of water before eating your meals and remember to drink up throughout the day!

2.       Overeating at dinner parties can be easily avoided. Try having a snack of fresh fruit or veggie sticks before the party to avoid overeating. Use salad plates or dessert sized plates, that way your plate will look fuller, satisfying your hungry eye, while reducing the number of calories you consume.

3.       Alcohol contains a lot of ‘empty’ kilojoules. Try alternating each alcoholic drink with a glass of still or sparkling water or a diet drink. This is a great way to keep from overdoing it and avoid loading up on excess kilojoules.

4.       Stay away from the buffet table when you are at a party to avoid popping things in your mouth throughout the night. If you are further away from the table, you’re less likely to “mindlessly munch”. Use a plate, don’t do handfuls. Only eating what you put on your plate will keep you mindful of what you are putting into your mouth.

5.       Wait 15-20 minutes before getting second helpings. If you are still hungry in afterwards then consider having seconds but go for healthier options.

If you do overindulge, don’t beat yourself up over it, just make an effort to start fresh the next day or add in some extra exercise to your week. 

SkillPower is what Jenny Craig believes is the secret to successful weight management. It’s about replacing old behaviours with new constructive ones. These helpful tips will allow you to enjoy the festive season without the guilt.

“Sheer willpower alone hardly ever works, because just wanting to do it is generally not enough to help you stick with healthy lifestyle changes. With SkillPower you’re equipped with the tools and knowledge you need to replace old behaviours with new ones that lead you to a healthier lifestyle. This is the secret to Jenny Craig’s ongoing success,” says Danielle Bowman, Jenny Craig’s Nutrition and Program Development Manager.

The Jenny Craig Program focuses on 3 key success factors for weight management, a healthy relationship with food, an active lifestyle, and a balanced approach to living; all through the help of highly-trained consultants to provide support every step of the way.

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