Tips for staying on track with weight loss during holidays

Aim for half of what is on your plate to be vegetables. If eating outside of the home, order a side of vegetables or a salad with your main course

Consider asking for sauces on the side when eating out. Is there an option for boiled new potatoes instead of potatoes cooked in fat? Many menus are available online, so if you have internet access, it can help to research your options in advance, or ask the waiter at the table.

Try having those festive satsuma boxes on display or a small dish of nuts. To avoid repeatedly choosing an indulgent snack try keeping them up in a high cupboard – out of sight, out of mind!

Calories easily go unnoticed in drinks. By thinking about what you will drink in advance, you can plan for lower calorie options and focus on staying hydrated, making sure you still aim to drink around 2 litres of water every day.

What activities will you do during this time? Are there some new walking routes with beautiful views that you could take advantage of?
Allocate and plan time to help you reach your steps goal each day through your busy birthday week, or festive weeks too.

Whether it’s another slice of birthday cake, or that ever tempting second course at an all-inclusive buffet, try waiting it out for half an hour after you have finished eating and have a glass of water. If you can, move from the table and clean up, rather than focusing on what else you can eat.

By having a palm sized portion of lean protein two to three times a day, you will feel fuller for longer, and maybe curb some of those between meal cravings for indulgent goodies.