Christmas and New Year have just passed, but have you managed not to overeat during the Christmas dinner when the turkey baked with apples, mashed potatoes or rice was so tempting, the pie was so delicious and the drinks were spirituous enough to turn off your still small voice of a person who is trying to stay healthy and fit during the year? But don’t blame yourself – this is what we all do during these happiest days of the year! And here are some tricks that will help you get back into shape after Christmas with minimal effort!
1. Wait for 10 minutes when you get hungry
In most cases, slight hunger may disappear within 10 minutes. So, when you feel like eating something, just wait a little bit and do something pleasant or useful: for example, watch a positive video or start cleaning up your apartment.
2. Don’t sit too much
Remember that you burn one and a half times as many calories when standing. If you work in the office, go out for lunch and get used to a small walk before or after work.
3. Drink more water
Sometimes our brain may confuse thirst with hunger. So, every time you feel hungry, drink a glass of water or a cup of tea without sugar and wait for 15-20 minutes. If you are still hungry, it’s time for a meal or snack.
4. Forget about soft drinks
Even one or two glasses of soda can destroy all your efforts. Remember that one glass of cola contains at least 10 teaspoons of sugar! The pleasure is definitely not worth its “cost”. So, you’d better drink tea or all-natural juice – they are tasty as well.
5. Don’t eat on the run
When you are in a hurry or busy with something, you don’t notice how much you eat and your brain can’t concentrate on taking a meal. As a result, you still feel hungry after that. Take your time to set the table and enjoy your meal – that will be much healthier.
6. Eat more protein
No, we don’t mean that you have to stick to a diet. Just try to eat more protein for breakfast and lunch – it will give you the feeling of satiety for a longer period of time and you will help prevent overeating in the evening.
7. Switch to cardio training
If you are used to going to a gym or a fitness club, replace your usual exercises with cardio for 2 or 3 weeks to burn more calories.
8. Use smaller plates
It sounds like just a visual illusion but when you try it, you discover that it really works. You will eat 20% less than usual with a smaller plate.
9. Reduce the amount of spirits that you drink
Firstly, alcoholic drinks stimulate appetite. Secondly, all of them are rich in calories. For example, a glass of wine contains 85 calories, a glass of beer – twice as much. Not to mention cocktails, that can easily “compete” with desserts by their nutritional value.
10. Hit the dance floor
Instead of sitting at the table loaded with tasty food, invite your friends to a nightclub where you will be able to dance. You will burn a lot of calories and enjoy yourself at the same time. And don’t forget to drink water every 15-20 minutes of dancing.