Food is the central part of any celebration, especially Christmas gatherings. Everywhere you look there are delicious and aromatic dishes that lure you in. And while it’s okay to indulge in your favourite foods and treats occasionally, it’s important that you’re mindful of what you consume and what you’re doing to maintain a healthy weight. If you find it difficult to keep your weight in check during the holiday season, here are four tips that can help you.
Switch to Healthy Snacks
Snacking is inevitable; we do it while working, watching TV, or simply out of boredom. No matter how much you try to limit or exclude it from your lifestyle, you often find yourself munching a bag of chips or a pack of Oreos. So, instead of restricting yourself, why not choose a healthy snack that you can eat any time of the day without guilt?
Snack on delicious and healthy chip formulas from a wide range of flavours that are free from artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives. These chips are made from a variety of whole-food ingredients such as sweet potatoes, kale, and coconut oil. They come in several flavours including Sea Salt, Paprika, Curry, Chili & Lime, Barbeque, etc. This means that you can snack on your favourite chip flavour without worrying about your weight!
Are Healthy Chips Better Than Conventional Chips?
A lot of healthy chips online have a better nutritional value than conventional chips, and even potential health benefits! Conventional chips are often made with refined grains and fried in unhealthy oils, which contribute to an increased risk of chronic health conditions.
In contrast, a healthy chip is made with whole grains, vegetables, and healthy fats such as coconut or avocado oil that are lower in calories and have less of an impact on blood sugar levels, making them a better choice for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of health conditions.
My favourite kind of healthy chips in Australia are those with sweet potato and avocado oil. Sweet potatoes are a great source of beta-carotene and other antioxidants, as well as vitamins and minerals such as potassium and vitamin C. Avocado oil is a source of monounsaturated fats, which have a lot of potential health benefits, including improved heart health and weight management.
If you want to step up your snack game, you’ll be able to find a healthy chip online that caters to your taste buds. Of course, like any snack food, you should consume these chips in moderation as part of a well-balanced diet. While they may be a healthier alternative to traditional chips, they’re still a snack and not the main source of nutrition for your body.
Eat Smaller Portions
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day is generally healthier than consuming many calories in a single meal. This helps you regulate your blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
Additionally, eating smaller portions also helps you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing obesity and related health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer.
Exercise at Least 30 Minutes per Day
According to research, engaging in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day can help manage your weight, as well as improve your cardiovascular health, strengthen your bones and muscles, and reduce your risk of developing chronic illnesses.
This doesn’t mean that you have to lift weights or do other strenuous exercises. There are many different types of exercises that you can do to meet this recommendation, such as:
-Going for a brisk walk or jog;
-Doing an aerobics or dance class;
-Swimming laps in a pool;
-Biking or cycling;
-Dancing;
-Participating in a team sport or recreational activity;
Find activities that you enjoy and that fit your individual needs and abilities. You can also vary your workouts to keep things interesting and to challenge your body in different ways. If you’re new to exercise or have any underlying health conditions, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before starting a new exercise program.
Remember that exercise is just one part of a healthy lifestyle. A balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress management are also important for your overall health and well-being, which leads to my final tip.
Relax and De-Stress
When you’re under stress, your body releases the hormone cortisol, which can affect your appetite and metabolism. Some people experience an increase in appetite and cravings when they’re stressed, which can lead to weight gain. Additionally, stress often interferes with your sleep quality, which can also contribute to weight gain. Poor sleep affects the balance of hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism, making you more likely to gain weight.
There are many ways to relax and de-stress, and the best one for you depends on your individual needs and preferences:
-Practice mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment and being aware of your thoughts and feelings helps to reduce stress and increase relaxation. Try mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga and diffuse some essential oils in your space to further help you relax and defeat stress;
-Engage in a hobby: Doing something you enjoy, such as painting, gardening, or playing an instrument, can help to take your mind off stress and relax your body and mind;
-Spend time with loved ones: Connecting with others helps to reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. The upcoming holidays are a great opportunity to connect with your loved ones during social gatherings with friends and family;
-Take a break: It’s important to take breaks from your daily routine and give yourself time to relax and recharge. Try taking a hot bath, reading a book, or listening to music to help you unwind.
