Filled with yummy, tempting treats, Christmas can be a daunting time for those following a low carb diet. That’s why we thought it would be useful to share some of our tips on how to stay on track this Christmas.
1. Try some festive recipes
Christmas is the perfect opportunity to experiment with some low carb baking or cooking. It is also a fun activity to get the kids involved with. Preparing batches of low carb treats can help you to feel like you are joining in and indulging, while still sticking to your goals.
2. Stock the fridge & keep temptation out of the house
Ensuring the fridge is filled with low carb foods over the festive period will help with adherence and limit temptation. Why not try to cook a few meals and freeze them or store them in the fridge, so they are easily at hand. This will help you to avoid mindlessly reaching for foods that might hinder your progress.
3. Stay active
Try setting yourself the goal of completing some form of exercise everyday over the month of December.
4. Start the day as you mean to go on
Starting your day off right, with a low carb, high fat breakfast, will ensure you are getting one good meal into you. It will also put you in the right frame of mind for the day, helping you to adhere to your low carb diet.
5. Eat before you go out
If you know you are attending a party where there will be tempting nibbles, eat before you go out. Being full will help to reduce the temptation of naughty treats.
6. Offer to contribute when eating at others
If you are attending a friend or relative’s house for a meal over the festive period, why not offer to contribute? Bringing a low carb dish will help you to stick to your goals, while still being able to enjoy eating socially.
7. Remind yourself how you will feel
It’s easy to get caught up in the moment and succumb to temptation. Try to remind yourself before you eat, how you will feel after consuming that food. This is especially true for those who have followed a low carb diet for some time, as the effects can be a lot worse. Often people complain of headaches, stomach pain and changes in mood and energy.
8. Don’t give in to social pressure
Don’t be surprised if friends and family try to convince you to indulge or question why you aren’t eating certain foods. Instead of feeling anxious or caving in to social pressure, remain strong and simply explain you mustn’t for health reasons. This will usually be enough to put a stop to it.
9. Offer to be the designated driver
Over Christmas, celebrations typically involve alcohol, which can limit progress on the Low Carb Program. To avoid temptation, why not offer to drive. This will not only help you in reaching your goals, but will also make you incredibly popular amongst your friends.
10. Drink lots of water
Staying hydrated has numerous benefits and is always key for a healthy diet. As well as helping you to feel full, staying well hydrated aids bodily functions such as digestion.
11. Eat mindfully & include lots of healthy fats
It can become habit to graze at Christmas and pick throughout the day. Try to practice mindful eating and only eat when you are truly hungry. Make sure to include lots of healthy fats. This will help to keep you feeling full and avoid mindless picking.
We hope you find these tips helpful. Remember Christmas is a time to enjoy celebrating with family and friends. While it is good to have goals, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. If you slip up, don’t throw in the towel completely. Pick yourself up and simply get back on it.
