Keeping off the Christmas kilos
December 17, 2014
With the festive season upon us and everything from Christmas pudding to summer punch in plentiful supply, we’re all guilty of overindulging from time-to-time and watching the kilos stack on. But is a hastily made new year’s resolution enough to help burn off those extra Christmas kilos?
According to Exercise & Sports Science Australia’s (ESSA) Executive Officer Anita Hobson-Powell, the secret to avoiding the post-holiday blow-out lies in preventing the extra weight from piling on in the first place.
“It’s much easier to keep your exercise and eating habits in check than to try and shift the kilos after the festive break,” Ms Hobson-Powell said.
“That’s not to say we shouldn’t indulge in that mince pie or Christmas tipple; as always, eating fatty or sugary foods in moderation and incorporating regular exercise into your daily routine is the key to keeping fit and healthy.”
Ms Hobson-Powell shared the following top tips from ESSA to beat the Christmas bulge:
1. Break out the backyard cricket — There aren’t many pastimes that scream ‘Aussie’ more than a lively game of backyard cricket. When the kids bring out the bat and ball this Christmas, make the effort to join them rather than watching from afar.
2. Talk and walk — Whether it’s planning the Christmas menu or calling relatives from interstate to wish them happy holidays, we all tend to spend a lot of time on the phone over the December break. Next time you pick up the phone, wander around the house while chatting, or consider doing some simple squats or lunges. You’ll be too tied up in the conversation to even notice you’re burning serious calories!
3. Dance to your own beat — If you’re spending plenty of time confined to the kitchen this Christmas while cooking up a storm, why not crank the tunes and dance away? It helps to keep off the kilos and makes the process all the more fun!
4. Prevent temptation — Before you pound the pavements to find that perfect gift for your loved ones, fuel up with a healthy meal. With a full stomach, you’ll be less likely to hit the food court at the shopping centre and stock up on greasy fast food.
5. Keep up the healthy habits — If you already incorporate exercise into your daily routine, don’t stop now just because Christmas is coming. Allocate the time to keep up your routine as it helps keep the weight off and makes it a whole lot easier to get back in the swing of things in the New Year.
If you need help getting motivated or want some guidance regarding an exercise routine, please visit www.essa.org.au to locate your local accredited exercise physiologist. Medicare may also fund treatment sessions if you suffer from a chronic health condition. Please see a GP for referral.
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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 4,000-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)
A: 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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