Here are some handy tips to help you make the best decisions.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Plan ahead:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tucking into a Christmas feast later on? Plan a day of smaller meals beforehand and avoid between-meal treats.<\/p>
<\/div>\n- \n
- Chocolate box gifts:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Never have more than one box of chocolates open at a time, and keep unopened boxes out of sight. They won\u2019t go off — stagger them over the next few months if necessary.<\/p>\n
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- At the Christmas buffet:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Do not hover by the buffet table.<\/p>\n
Make your selection then step away from the table.<\/p>\n
Think about what you\u2019re putting on your plate \u2013 make it one portion and do not make repeat visits. Choose a smaller, dessert-sized plate, and avoid the high saturated fat offerings like sausage rolls and quiche.<\/p>\n
Instead load up on fruit, skinless chicken and vegetables.<\/p>\n
- \n
- At work:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
If everyone brings in Christmas goodies to share, make your contribution festive, but healthy, and eat that rather than the high-calorie communal chocolate and mince pies.<\/p>\n
- \n
- At the supermarket:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Make a shopping list and stick to it.<\/p>\n
Avoid the aisles of temptation and make your Christmas snacks plain popcorn, pretzels and vegetable crudit\u00e9s with a low fat dip.<\/p>\n
- \n
- The bird:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Tturkey is a great source of protein and a low fat meat.<\/p>\n
Most of the fat that is present in a cooked turkey will be found in the skin.<\/p>\n
So don\u2019t eat the skin.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Perfect portions:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Even on Christmas Day, when turkey, stuffing, potatoes and rolls are begging to be eaten, make sure vegetables take up one third of the space on your dinner plate.<\/p>\n
If you\u2019re in charge of cooking, steam vegetables where possible or use only a small amount of water.<\/p>\n
Brussel sprouts, peas and carrots can all be served unbuttered.<\/p>\n
Use the veg water for gravy and any leftover vegetables in a delicious soup to help fill you up and keep down the calorie count in the days after Christmas.<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/p>\n
Essential services will be uninterrupted during festive holidays<\/a><\/p>\n
ERVBA remember the year that was<\/a><\/p>\n
- \n
- Healthy options:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Want to keep the calories down even further?<\/p>\n
Try dry roasting potatoes on a non-stick baking sheet, or use an oil spray instead of smothering them in fat.<\/p>\n
You can also make gravy using vegetable stock instead of meat juices, accompanied by a fruit-based stuffing.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Bottoms down:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Who doesn\u2019t drink more at Christmas?<\/p>\n
At the very least, steer clear of sweet cocktails and creamy liqueurs.<\/p>\n
Have a glass of water after every alcoholic drink, to keep down the calorie count.<\/p>\n
It also has the benefit of leaving you with a clearer head the next morning.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Pie wise:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
The average mince pie contains around 250 calories and that\u2019s before you\u2019ve added cream or brandy butter.<\/p>\n
Can\u2019t resist this Christmas treat?<\/p>\n
Always remove the lid to cut its calorie-count.<\/p>\n
Remember moderation, most specialists encourage you to eat what you want as long as you don\u2019t overdo it.<\/p>\n
Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za,<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Ashley Kiley (Journalist)\u00a0ashleyk@caxton.co.za.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
- Pie wise:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Bottoms down:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Healthy options:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Perfect portions:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- The bird:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- At the supermarket:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- At work:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- At the Christmas buffet:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
- Chocolate box gifts:<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
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