Beating the Christmas bulge
Keeping the kilos off this festive season
December 13, 2013
It’s that time of year when most of us throw caution to the wind when it comes to watching our diet – there is simply too much temptation around and the consequence of overindulgence can be dealt with in a New Year’s resolution, right?
Unfortunately, while a few extra biscuits or a couple of extra glasses of wine don’t seem to touch sides over the festive season, the effort required to burn them off when the new year rolls around is significantly more.
So is there anything simple you can do to curb the kilos in the coming weeks?
According to Exercise & Sports Science Australia’s (ESSA) Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell, the answer is yes – small changes in behaviour on a daily basis do make a difference and don’t have to cramp your style.
“Preventing the weight gain and maintaining some level of exercise is a far better strategy than trying to shift the kilos after the festive break,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“Make a deal with yourself that you won’t use elevators in December or vow to use the carpark furthest from the entrance to the shopping mall. It’s all about making a conscious effort to stay active to compensate for the mince pie or extra serve of Christmas pudding with brandy butter.”
“Forget making New Year’s resolutions, start now and kick off 2014 in good shape.”
Ms Hobson-Powell shared the following top tips from ESSA to slow the Christmas bulge:
- Talk time is walk time – when you’re on the phone -which tends to be a lot at this time of year – walk around, maybe do some simple squats or stand on one leg using your stomach muscles to maintain your balance.
- Keep up the good work – if you already do some exercise, don’t stop now just because Christmas is coming, keep up your routine as it helps keep off the weight and makes it easier to go back in the New Year.
- Play with the kids – get stuck into some fun activities with the children over the Christmas break, whether they are your own, your grandchildren or the neighbour’s kids. Good calorie burners include playing tiggy, backyard cricket, a game of tennis on the street, jumping on the trampoline or going for a bike ride.
- Plan your shopping route – this is about maximising the walk time and minimising your exposure to the fast-food outlets along the way. They are sent to tempt you so either avoid them altogether or pack a healthy snack to avoid the temptation.
- Reduce your stress levels – don’t let Christmas and the pressures of the festive season consume you. Use exercise as a form of stress relief. Exercise can improve general happiness and provide relief from feelings of being overwhelmed (and we have all experienced that feeling over the festive period!).
- Dance – provide lots of opportunity to get down and boogie during the silly season! As an adult, there aren’t many opportunities to have a dance but once people get going, there really is no stopping them and it can be fabulous exercise and a lot of fun!
If you need help getting motivated or want some guidance regarding an exercise routine, find your local accredited exercise physiologist, by visiting www.essa.org.au. Medicare may also fund treatment sessions if you suffer from a chronic health condition. Please see a GP for referral.
// Ends.
For further media information, please contact Maya from Fresh PR & Marketing on 0410 109 102 or email maya@freshprm.com.au.
ABOUT ESSA
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA) is the peak professional body for exercise and sports science in Australia and provides national leadership and advocacy on key issues. It supports its 3,500-plus members and the community through fostering excellence in professional practice, education, training and research.
Website: www.essa.org.au
Official media spokesperson for this release:
Anita Hobson-Powell
Executive Officer
Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA)
327 Sandgate Road Albion QLD 4010
E: Anita.Hobson-Powell@essa.org.au
P: 07 3862 4122
M: 0400 519 800
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