It is common to gain some kilos during Christmas and New Year's Eve.
People gain around three kilos, reaching five in the worst cases, during the end of year festivities, according to a survey carried out by an Italian website specializing in the topic of “water”, “In a Bottle”.
Almost all Christmas meals exceed 1,5 calories per day, the recommended level to maintain an adequate weight. The study analyzed around 50 portals, forums and nutrition experts and doctors in the field and came to the conclusion that only 22% of the Italian population can “control the damage”, gaining just one kilo.
The blame is mainly on the habit of “snacking” during the day, usually high-calorie or fatty foods. Another important factor is alcohol abuse, combined with lack of hydration with water. Furthermore, the end of the year is a time when physical exercise is put aside. The majority of the population – around 65% – refuses to maintain a strict diet during the holidays, and 38% of Italians seek to return to a normal weight and have a healthy routine after December. However, 26% believe that some festive month habits should be adopted throughout the year, such as eating three hearty meals every day.
See below the experts' recommendations for combating excess weight after the holidays:
1) Maintain a varied diet
Eating different types of food is important to supply the body with the main nutrients.
2) Don’t underestimate the risks of a high-calorie diet
Consuming calories higher than recommended (1,5 calories per day) contributes to weight gain and slow metabolism.
3) Limit sweets
Often, during festivals, the consumption of sweets increases significantly. Therefore, in the following days, they should be gradually cut off from their diet.
4) Avoid alcoholic beverages
Contrary to what many think, any drink with alcohol has a high calorie content.
5) Practice physical activities
There is no better method for losing weight than a balanced diet with exercise.
6) Eat fruits and vegetables
Good amounts of fruits and vegetables are essential for the intake of fiber, vitamins and minerals.
7) Drink lots of water
Drinking water helps eliminate excess fluids and control the desire to eat thanks to its ability to dilate the stomach.
8) Avoid “snacking” outside of meals
This helps control the amount of food ingested, focusing only on the main meals of the day.
9) Reduce fats
Oils and other fats that are used for frying and cooking should be avoided. Not just after December, but throughout the year.
10) Don't skip meals
Psychophysical well-being depends on a balanced diet, with regular meals.
With Ansa Agency
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