“I’m losing weight by the New Year!” - probably each of us at least once in our life set ourselves such a task. Constant training, grueling diets and all for the sake of just one day - the New Year. But what happens on January 1, when that very night has already passed? Jellied meat, herring under a fur coat, Olivier and, of course, cakes, pastries and ice cream - a holiday after all.
How not to gain weight over a long vacation? Alexandra Gdimova, a former ballerina and creator of the health food brand Bionova, shared her secrets.
Making traditional salads healthy
In Russia, many people find it hard to deny themselves Olivier salad. After all, this taste reminds us of childhood. But, you can apply little tricks, and modernize this dish a little. For example, we replace boiled sausage, which does not carry anything useful in itself, with lean boiled beef, for the more daring I advise you to use avocado instead of sausage! The taste will become even softer, and the benefits will increase. We make mayonnaise ourselves: take low-fat yogurt, add salt, pepper, mustard, lemon juice to taste and beat. Believe me, guests will love this fresh take on a traditional dish.
We do not overeat at the festive table
At first glance, this advice may seem strange. How not to overeat when there are so many tasty things? It's very simple! A couple of hours before the planned feast, do not forget to have a snack with something healthy, and at the same time satisfying. A fiber-rich banana, granola, or avocado works well. Firstly, thanks to a snack, you will not feel hungry, and, accordingly, you will not pounce on food. And, secondly, even if overeating cannot be avoided, dietary fiber, which is contained in fiber, will help to retain a little fat. Do not forget that the signals about our satiety do not reach the brain immediately, so we eat slowly, chewing thoroughly.
Water, tea and chicory are your allies
Half an hour before the feast we drink a glass of water. The water will fill the stomach, and the feeling of hunger will be much less noticeable. We replace packaged juices and soda containing a huge amount of sugar with water! Remember also about alcohol that it contains a lot of calories.
Instead of coffee, we opt for green tea or chicory. Chicory contains inulin, which improves digestion and stimulates the growth and activity of beneficial bifidobacteria. And green tea is rich in polyphenols, which help to increase heat exchange in the body by processing stored fats. Studies have shown that drinking 3-6 cups of green tea a day will increase the amount of fat you burn.
Choosing small plates
The same amount of food in small dishes is perceived by our brain as more abundant than in large plates. Of course, you can always put the supplement in your little plate. But, there is a chance that you will be ashamed, lazy, or simply will not do it and eat less!
We do not eat up the "remnants of the former luxury"
This point applies to those who celebrate the New Year at home. Everyone knows the tradition of finishing yesterday's dishes for breakfast? Here, it is better to get rid of it at least before lunchtime. There is no need to start the morning of January 1 with salads, herring under a fur coat and other traditional dishes. Give your body a rest! The best way to start your day is fiber! All types of porridge, muesli, granola and fruits are welcome! Tasty and healthy - great health is guaranteed!
Entertainment and sports
We remember that entertainment is not only going to restaurants and movies. Feel like a child and enjoy New Year's games! Build a snowman, ski, snowboard, sled! Play snowballs and just walk around the city more, soaking up the mood of the festively decorated streets!
This is a lot of fun, and useful for the figure!
Get enough sleep
When a person does not get enough sleep, he has an imbalance in some of the hormones responsible for the feeling of fullness and appetite. So if you don't get enough sleep, your risk of eating more increases. Therefore, do not neglect sleep!
Be the first to order
If you are having dinner in a cafe or restaurant, order first. Psychologists say that we order many dishes for the company, trying to support a friend in his choice! And then we wonder why we are eating a burger with fries instead of the steamed fish that we originally wanted? Order first and your friends will support you in eating right, and not vice versa.
