Gearing up for a busy festive season? Christmas may still be a couple of weeks away, but with end-of-year work deadlines – not to mention a hundred people wanting to see you before the big day – the pressures of the party season can take its toll on your mind and body. Fear not! Food futurologist Dr Morgaine Gaye is here to help you sail through to new year on a sea of calm. As founder of her own functional food product range (drgayesupershake.com), Gaye has put together her top tips on how to stay fit and healthy, no matter how many invitations you get. Here are a few of our favorites:
1. Eat light and often
Are you easily won over by the trays of hors d’oeuvres laid out at parties? If you’re not careful, one nibble turns into five and your appetite for dinner is spoiled. Trying out that odd-looking snack may have been a bad mistake for your stomach as well. Gaye suggests eating something healthy and light beforehand so you’re not tempted by too many canapes.
2. Eat early
On party days, have a late breakfast so you’re able to skip lunch. Depending on when your event is, schedule your main meal at a time that means you’ll be less inclined to eat later in the evening. If dinner is included at the party, perhaps just have a nutrient-dense breakfast to keep you full until then.
3. Have a bloat-beating bath
If the season’s socializing starts to take its toll, factor in time for bath. A few drops of lavender essential oil has been proven to calm brain activity and, as well as making you feel less inclined to go out and have fun, stress can cause bloating and inflammation in the gut.
4. Eat chocolate
Before you stock up on Toblerone, keep an eye on what type of chocolate you eat. Gaye recommends the purest form of raw cacao, which is rich in natural sources of magnesium. A Journal of Women’s Health study found that consuming 200mg of magnesium a day can reduce PMS fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating by 40 per cent. If raw cacao isn’t your thing, opt for chocolate with 70 to 90 per cent cocoa. The rich dark taste is far more satisfying, meaning just one or two squares will be enough. Result!
5. Strengthen those abs
Although balancing on high heels all night is a workout in itself, you still need to keep fit over the festive season – especially if you plan on indulging in a few more mince pies than your waistline would like! Strengthening your abs can stop your stomach looking bloated and will help prevent backache. If your busy social calendar makes it hard to fit in a gym session, squeeze in a few sit-ups or crunches at home. Gaye suggests 50 in the morning and 50 at night – you’ll notice the difference in just a few weeks! Meaning you still have time to fit into that party dress a little more easily, too…
6. Stretch your way to Christmas Day
Party food isn’t usually the best for your digestion. To help calm things down, try to fit some yoga into your daily schedule. Incorporate easy twists or cat stretches, and if you suffer from trapped wind, yoga has the solution! Lie on your back and bring one knee to your chest, holding it below the kneecap, and keep the other leg straight. Exhale and raise your forehead towards your raised knee, then repeat on the other side. Namaste!
7. Don’t forget to breathe
Worried you might miss the last tube home? Still haven’t packed for that seasonal city break? Take a step back and breathe! You can’t make wise decisions when you’re anxious. And, of course, stress encourages you to eat more, which will lead to weight gain. When everything is coming at you at once, close your eyes and do five slow breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth.
8. Have a nutrient-dense breakfast
We all know breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but it’s easy to skimp on – or even skip – your first meal of the day. If you’re stressed, don’t run out of the house without having eaten. Studies show that if you get a balanced breakfast, you’re inclined to eat less calories and unhealthy food later on. Put together a clean breakfast with lots of micronutrients, and you’ll reap the benefits throughout the day.
Remember, enjoy this time of the year with family and friends, but don’t forget to take care of yourself at the same time.
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