Festive Fever 2023: Tips To Practice Mindful Eating And Avoid Overindulging This Festive Season
The festive season is here and you can’t hold back from celebrating with our loved ones and indulging in guilty pleasures. However, it's also a season that often leads to overindulgence and regret.
It’s that time of the year again as the festive season has arrived and you can’t hold back from celebrating with our loved ones and indulging in guilty pleasures. However, it's also a season that often leads to overindulgence and regret. But the good news is that you can enjoy the festivities while practicing mindful eating. Here are some valuable tips to help you savour every bite and not feel like it’s your last one.
Tips For Mindful Eating:
Nina Figueiredo, who is a clinical dietician, and obesity consultant at Loop sared the following:
- Start Slow: Before diving into a meal, take a moment to appreciate it. Smell, savour, and express gratitude for your food.
- Limit Distractions: Turn off the TV, put down your phone. Create an eating environment free of distractions.
- Check-In with Yourself: Ask, am I genuinely hungry? Recognise emotional eating and distinguish it from true hunger.
- Chew Thoroughly: Slowing down and chewing your food 20-30 times before swallowing aids digestion and enhances flavour appreciation.
- Smaller Portions: Using smaller plates can visually trick your brain, helping you feel satisfied with less.
- Hydrate Before Eating: Drink a glass of water before meals. Sometimes our bodies confuse thirst with hunger.
- Mindful Snacking: Opt for healthy snacks and eat them slowly. Avoid mindlessly munching straight from the bag.
- Engage Your Senses: Notice textures, flavours, and temperatures. The more you observe, the richer the eating experience!
- Pause Mid-Meal: Halfway through, assess your hunger. This small break can help prevent overeating.
In addition to her Sunny Khattar, who is the Founder of Farmio suggested the following tips:
- Know your appetite: Just like everyone has different body types, it is the same for your appetite. Eat when you're genuinely hungry and stop when you're satisfied. By listening to your body, you can avoid mindless munching or going back for snacks every other second when you don't need to.
- Stay Hydrated: In all the excitement and hectic festival arrangements, you forget that your body is made up of 70% water and end up confusing thirst with hunger. Make sure to drink water throughout the day. Having a glass of water before a meal can also help you gauge your hunger more accurately.
- Control your portions: Quality over quantity fits here as well. The goal is to trick your mind into believing that you are full by using smaller plates and utensils. The same goes for your alcohol cravings.
- Practice Self Compassion: Even if you have had that one extra large slice or indulged in a big bite of your favourite dessert, be kind to yourself because you deserve it.
Maximizing Festive Season Workouts: A Gym Trainer's Guide
Amidst the festive season's joyous revelry, maintaining a healthy balance becomes crucial. People often field questions about crafting the ideal workout routine to align with the celebratory spirit. In this guide, shared by Sunny, who is the Founder and Head Trainer at My Bollywood Body, let's navigate the intricacies of festive workouts, ensuring we indulge in the merriment without compromising on fitness goals.
Balancing Indulgences: Navigating the Feast
In the midst of festive feasts and sweet delights, it's crucial to strike a balance. We should keep in mind to savour the festive delicacies in moderation, opting for nourishing options that align with our fitness goals.
Energetic Cardio Choices: Dancing into the Celebrations
- Festive Walks: Embark on a joyous stroll to soak in the festive atmosphere without undue stress.
- Jubilant Jogs: Elevate your heart rate slightly for those seeking an extra challenge.
- Celebratory Yoga: Blend gentle movements with mindful breathing, infusing your routine with holistic well-being.
- Cheerful Cycling: Engage multiple muscle groups with this low-impact option that's easy on the joints and won’t rob your energy during the festivities.
- Festive Pilates: Focus on core strength and posture, aligning with the celebratory mood with controlled movements.
Flexibility in Festivity: Stretching for Joyful Movements
Integrating basic stretching exercises is pivotal for maintaining flexibility and preventing stiffness. Breathe, relax, and gently stretch various muscle groups, enhancing recovery and overall mobility during the festive hustle.
Pilates Pleasantries: Strengthening the Core with Festive Flair
Pilates, with its emphasis on controlled movements and core engagement, seamlessly integrates into festive workouts. Sunny advocates for low-intensity Pilates exercises that promote muscle toning without overexertion, ensuring you relish the festivities with vigour.
Bodyweight Bliss: Festive Strength with Caution
For those post-cardio and pilates energy bursts, incorporate low-intensity bodyweight exercises. Think festive squats, lunges, and push-ups, emphasising proper form for controlled movements and minimal strain.
Crafting a Festive Fitness Approach: Joyful and Sustainable
By combining low-intensity cardio, stretching, Pilates, and mindful bodyweight exercises, you can revel in the celebrations while nurturing your well-being.
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