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We all would love to have our cake and look good too (did you see how I manoeuvred that expression?!) However, we know that is unrealistic. Don't worry though... were you afraid I was going to suggest the best way to achieve this is some ab exercise or extreme diet? You should know me better than that!
I'm the first one to admit that my exercise program has a lot to do with vanity; I like butter and cheese and I work out like a fiend so I can :) But I know that method isn't for everyone, so here are a few tips to manage your consumption and not feel punished ...
1. Drink a glass of water before you go to the Christmas party, and have one in between drinks. (This helps manage your drinking and keeps your system working efficiently so it can process calories.)
2. Eat something savoury first. (Remember, sugar puts your body on a roller coaster. Let it warm up to the idea of sweets.)
3. Reduce your portion. (If it's a buffet think about how much food would fit on a plate, like a regular dinner. When in doubt about taking more, don't. You can always go back.)
4. Take the stairs on your way home, or maybe walk the dog after a meal. (Seriously, moving around helps your body work and you'll feel refreshed.)
5. Drink a glass of water before you to bed, and have another when you get up. (Staying hydrated is a big bonus for your body; it will help you stay healthy overall and it makes you feel more full when you first increase your consumption.)
We fight an uphill battle during the holiday season; indulgence is encouraged and we don't want to miss out. It's winter, so we yearn for richer foods to keep us warm. And hardest of all, the trend has been to increase portions overall so we are used to eating more. (Did you know that if we compare portions from the Last Supper, they are 69% larger today? Even in the last ten years, most packaged foods suggest portions from 15-50% larger than before!)
So, once again my message is to share this season. Consider it a random act of kindness to make your dishes go farther by making your portions smaller.
If you're looking for a new holiday recipe to try, how about Ultra Divine Cape Brandy Pudding? It's similar to the increasingly popular Sticky Toffee Pudding you see on many menus now. It also goes by the name "Tipsy Tart", in case you needed more enticement to try it :)
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
