Sunday, November 3, 2013

Get in Shape for Christmas - Implement 5 Great Dietary Habits Now



You know that with Christmas round the corner, come the New Year you'll be looking to burn off that holiday fat and maybe even keen to go that little further so why wait before the harder battle commences.

The following 5 ways are tried and tested and will more than help you get in shape for Christmas, and set you up nicely for a New Years diet.

1. Detox

Whenever you start a diet it's a good idea to go on a detox cleanse first - preferably for 2 to 4 weeks.

Why? Because this way you will shred surplus fat deposits, which is often mistaken as actual body fat and is easy to lose in the first few weeks.

Your body will also be accustomed and in tune to your true metabolism and not off kilts.

Natural detox foods would have to be those with a high anti-oxidant capacity per serving or high ORAC score.

The best of these foods which are in the top 20 for detox and cleansing would be the following fruits:

  • Wild berry

  • Cranberry

  • Blackberry

  • Raspberry

  • Strawberry

  • Red delicious, Granny Smith, Gala apple

  • Sweet cherry

  • Black plum


All the anti-oxidant fruits above contain the highest number of anthocyanins per serving - that means, they are the highest strength natural food source that will protect your body cells oxidizing, limiting the amount of toxins and free radicals into your system, while fending off ailments and most importantly, breaking down high glucose levels in the blood - meaning they will make you lose weight.

To be eaten fresh or in juices - go wild!

2. Pre-Christmas Breakfasts

Start the day off with a healthy low fat but satiating breakfast.

a) Freshly squeezed orange or lemon juice is best drank on an empty stomach as is all fruit as your body will benefit fully from all the wonderful nutrients.

b) Back that up with slow-releasing healthy carb bowl of muesli/cereal with added fruit for an even greater brighter morning.

c) Then treat your to a real ground-roasted cup of coffee with cinamon.

3. Rounded Lunchtime Meal

Lunch will see you through the afternoon so make it balanced but not heavy.

Choice ingredients:

  1. 1 piece of fruit (eaten before the meal).

  2. Vegetables or salad (lightly seasoned).

  3. Lean protein 1 dish (fish ideally).

  4. Portion of starchy foods (pasta, rice, quinoa, semolina etc).

  5. Added vegetables.

  6. 1 dairy product such as fromage frais, yoghurt, etc for dessert.


Many women like to lunch lightly so that's even better but don't starve the body of healthy fats, carbs and proteins.

4. Light Dinner Snack

After dinner, this is where least activity is carried out so keep dinner light.

  1. Vegetable soups are great healthy starters.

  2. Up to 100mg of a protein of your choice - like a steamed egg on a slice of ham on brown toast balanced with some side vegetables.

  3. Some fruit (better consumed 30 mins after for more vitamin/mineral absorption).


5. A Light Herbal Tea before Bed

Artichoke, lemon, green tea for example all contain important rejuvenating compounds such as catechins, concentrated vitamin C and citric acid.

They will flush the liver, kidney and intestine while you sleep and improve your immune system for the following day.

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