Happy & Healthy
11X HOW TO STAY FIT
DURING CHRISTMAS
The Christmas days are really just around the corner. And even though Christmas officially lasts only two and a half days, we collectively act hysterically as if you are going to gain twenty kilos during those days. But no, it’s mainly the days around it that cause those extra rolls on the hips. I’m talking about work dinners, drinks, staff parties, etc. etc. etc. If you had just paid a little attention during all these days, you could now enjoy the Christmas dinners without worry. But well, the damage is already done and you just had to stuff yourself with chocolate-covered ginger nuts, Christmas wreaths, and bottles of champagne during those weeks. And now I’m supposed to wave a magic wand. Not happening. You go ahead and enjoy these cozy days and occasionally read these points back (yes, and do something with them). Because there are a number of things you can pay attention to during these calorie-rich days. And very cliché, but every little bit helps and of course, we want to do everything we can to keep the damage during Christmas somewhat limited.
1. Keep it light on Christmas Eve with a light meal and one glass less. This also ensures that you get a good night’s sleep so you can relax wonderfully into Christmas.
2. And if you go to bed a little early on Christmas Eve, you can also be the first one up. Go for a short morning run before the rest of the family wakes up. Advantage: no traffic on the street AND you don’t have to set the table. You can just sit down right away.
3. For Christmas breakfast, go for fruit, yogurt and for example homemade granola. Or a nice poached egg. Okay, okay, I’m going overboard, it is Christmas after all… A croissant is of course fine (I do that too), but do leave that scone or slice of Christmas bread alone. Before you know it, you’ve already consumed 1000 calories and the day hasn’t even started yet.
4. And if you’re not a runner, you can always join me. Just burn some calories from your bedroom.
5. The downside of the holidays is that you sit inside all day. Suggest to your family to go for a nice walk before you sit down at the table. Go enjoy the woods together or visit a cozy Christmas market. Just be sure to walk around that oliebollen stall, okay?.
6. All those Christmas wreaths, waffles, and bonbons are super delicious, but those calories do add up. One is really not a problem and neither is two, but you and I both know that in no time you’ve eaten ten. Be aware of what you eat and why.
“after all, it is Christmas…”
7. I will be the last one to say that you should skip the alcohol. But what you CAN do (and I’m very good at this, thank goodness) is alternate your wine with a glass of water. You’ll be very grateful to yourself the day after, believe me.
8. Easy with the cheese plate. Oeiiiii, did that really come out of my mouth? If there’s one thing I can’t resist, it’s the cheese platter. But cheese is really a sneaky bastard. Before you know it, you’ve devoured a whole piece of brie, gorgonzola, or an entire Mont d’Or. And what about the baguette it’s spread on? Keep that far away from you and control yourself. This was only meant as a snack, dinner is still to come.
9. Serve an extra scoop of vegetables instead of those delicious Roseval potatoes fried in butter with a pinch of coarse sea salt. Extremely tasty, I know, but it’s also a sneaky filler (not to mention the creamy Béarnaise sauce over your piece of Bavette). And you know: dessert is still to come…
10. That Christmas market is even more fun in the evening when it’s dark, when the Christmas lights sparkle in the night light. An extra round, then your fitbit will be happy again…
11. And yes, speaking of romance: you can also dive into bed together with your loved one on time. I mean: burning calories can also just happen between the sheets. Drop the mic.
