1. Ditch the all-or-nothing Christmas mindset<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nMany people fall into the \u2018all-or-nothing\u2019 mindset trap, overeating throughout the Christmas period with the unrealistic expectation of quickly losing weight and getting fit in January. The problem is that stepping on the scales on January 1 to see that you\u2019ve gained five pounds can be extremely demotivating. Research indicates that 92% of people fail to achieve their New Year\u2019s resolutions. Rather than taking extreme measures by letting loose over Christmas and going on a restrictive diet in the New Year, take the middle road. Try to eat healthily most of the time but then give yourself permission to enjoy the special Christmas occasions without feeling guilty afterwards.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/blog.mindfulchef.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/12\/BLOG-Hazelnut-crusted-turkey-with-cranberry-sauce_1rs-1.jpg\")
\r\nFor a healthy\u00a0festive favourite, try our\u00a0hazelnut crusted turkey with cranberry sauce.<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n2. Mindfully eat your mince pies<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s easy to fall into the habits of playing with your phone while you eat or sitting in front of the TV with a box of Quality Street. \u00a0A scientific review of 24 studies recently found\u00a0that eating when distracted leads to people eating approximately 10% more at the time and nearly 25% more at their next meal.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Distractions divert your attention and so the brain is unable to accurately register the amount of food you\u2019ve consumed. So if you\u2019re about to eat your mince pie, sit down at the kitchen table, put away your phone, take your time and mindfully enjoy every bite!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Looking for gluten-free, dairy free, vegan mince pies<\/a>?\u00a0Chef Louisa has taken the classic Christmas treat and given them a Mindful Chef twist. See the recipe here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3. Choose the foods you love<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe often feel obliged to eat festive foods at Christmas parties or events. However, unless you really enjoy mince pies, brandy butter, mulled wine, eggnog or Christmas cake, you\u2019ll be unnecessarily consuming extra calories. Only eat the foods that you really enjoy! If you are a fan of mince pies, arrange to meet up with a friend at a caf\u00e9 that makes delicious, fresh mince pies. You\u2019ll gain more pleasure from this than mindlessly scoffing a free one while buying your Christmas tree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Remember that food is not the enemy!<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch shows that banning foods actually backfires, leading to people liking, wanting and eating more of the \u2018forbidden\u2019 items. A research study published in the scientific journal Appetite<\/em> found that participants with a tendency to overeat consumed approximately 133% more chocolate when prohibited from eating it for 24 hours. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychologically banning a food or going on a diet that demonises a specific food group, such as carbs or fats, is the perfect recipe for inducing overeating and weight gain. Rather than viewing certain foods as \u2018bad\u2019, a more helpful way to think about nutrition from a mindset point of view is \u2018everyday foods\u2019 and \u2018sometimes foods.\u2019 As long as you don\u2019t eat like this every day, you can enjoy a couple of big, delicious Christmas dinners with your friends and family without impacting your health in the long run. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Plan Your Social Diary Wisely<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. We often cram in so many work and social events that our sleep is disrupted. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity <\/em>found that people who reported less than 6 hours sleep and the highest stress levels were around half as likely to reach their weight loss goals than those with 6-8 hours sleep and lower stress. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s a consistent body of scientific evidence showing that less sleep is associated with bigger waistlines. Sleep loss results in changes in our hormonal levels, leading to higher levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin, which is linked to increased hunger and appetite. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Aim to spread your social events out over the festive break \u2013 you may even want to decline one or two invitations. When you do have a big night coming up, try to have enough sleep, eat well, and exercise a few days before and after the occasion so that you give your body the best chance to rest and rejuvenate. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6.\u00a0Don\u2019t be tricked into making impulse Christmas food buys <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychological research indicates that we make over 200 food-related decisions every day, with 90% happening without our awareness. Grocery industry studies suggest that 60-70% of purchases are unplanned. Retailers expend considerable resources on changing the in-store layout, display arrangements, shelf configurations, store ambience and time-limited promotions to subconsciously influence consumer spending and induce impulse buys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Impulse buying because an item is reduced in price or you\u2019re waiting in the queue may boost the store\u2019s profits, but over time can supersize your waistline. Marketing studies show that impulse buying increases without a shopping list, with the amount of time you spend in store, the number of aisles shopped, and in unfamiliar store layouts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with healthy eating this winter, why not stick to your Mindful Chef recipe boxes<\/a> to ensure you only buy the food you need!\u00a0For supermarket shopping, write a shopping list and go straight for these items rather than walking up and down each supermarket aisle. Remember, if an item is reduced in price but it isn\u2019t on your shopping list, you\u2019re not saving money by buying it!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n7. Give Yourself Permission <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a stressful time of year with work, family and social commitments. When we\u2019re stressed, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Consistently high levels of cortisol may increase the ability of fat cells to store fat and promote the accumulation of fat around the waist. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Stress-related eating is also linked to weight gain. The more stressed that you feel, the more important it is to look after yourself by still making time to eat a nourishing lunch, running a hot bath at the end of the day or attending your favourite yoga class in order to stay well. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Self-care isn\u2019t selfish. This Christmas give yourself permission to look after yourself and prioritise your health. The irony is that when you\u2019re feeling at your best, you have more energy and headspace to give to others and take part in fantastic initiatives such as Mindful Chef\u2019s Reverse Advent Calendar.<\/a> <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n8. Buy your Christmas food just in time for Christmas<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Supermarkets stock festive foods weeks before Christmas. Promotions and offers can lead to the kitchen cupboards being filled with tempting foods. Ask yourself: \u2018if I buy these boxes of biscuits or mince pies now, will they last until Christmas Day? Or is it far more likely I\u2019ll open them up after a long day to have with a cup of tea?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStudies show that stockpiling \u2013 storing large quantities of a food at home \u2013 leads to significantly increased consumption. People who buy cookies for an upcoming party end up eating 155% more on a daily basis. You might want to buy your turkey in advance, but for all those other foods that you\u2019ll find tempting, see if you can buy them as close to Christmas Day as possible. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
9. Box up the tempting leftovers on Boxing Day<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSugary, fatty and salty foods change the chemistry in the brain, triggering reward circuits and stimulating the release of dopamine, which gives us a pleasurable feeling. Research shows that even seeing foods high in sugar and fat triggers the reward circuitry in the brain. Certain foods exert such a powerful effect on the brain\u2019s reward network and biochemistry that willpower alone is often insufficient to resist eating these foods. Different foods, whether chocolate, crisps or cheese, invoke different responses in different people. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with your health goals and feel more in control this Christmas, it\u2019s important to know which foods you find most difficult to resist. On Boxing Day, pack up these foods and give them away to work, friends or a food shelter. You\u2019ll go into the New Year feeling healthier and more in control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
10. Forgive yourself when things go wrong<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a banquet of indulgent foods and drinks at work buffets, friends\u2019 parties and family lunches. There will be times when you eat less healthily than you intended. That\u2019s okay! Be aware of the trap of overeating, feeling awful and then over-eating more. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The secret to lasting health and sustainable weight loss is developing the skill to get back on track as soon as possible. You might think that you need to be hard on yourself to ensure you don\u2019t make the same mistake again. However, when we internally criticise ourselves we tend to feel ashamed and want to hide from the situation. Research shows that being self-compassionate promotes resilience and accountability. When you\u2019re kind to yourself and accept that everyone make mistakes, you\u2019re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the situation and more likely to take responsibility and bounce back. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To receive Dr. Aria\u2019s monthly blog and 3 Mindful Steps to Overcome Overeating<\/em>, just head to his website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Christmas is a time of celebration, parties and festive foods! Finding the balance between enjoying the next few weeks and staying fit and healthy can be tricky. This December we asked an expert in long-term health and mindfulness, Dr. Aria, how to successfully navigate through the Christmas season. Here are his top 10 tips to…<\/p>\n
\r\n2. Mindfully eat your mince pies<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nIt\u2019s easy to fall into the habits of playing with your phone while you eat or sitting in front of the TV with a box of Quality Street. \u00a0A scientific review of 24 studies recently found\u00a0that eating when distracted leads to people eating approximately 10% more at the time and nearly 25% more at their next meal.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Distractions divert your attention and so the brain is unable to accurately register the amount of food you\u2019ve consumed. So if you\u2019re about to eat your mince pie, sit down at the kitchen table, put away your phone, take your time and mindfully enjoy every bite!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Looking for gluten-free, dairy free, vegan mince pies<\/a>?\u00a0Chef Louisa has taken the classic Christmas treat and given them a Mindful Chef twist. See the recipe here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n3. Choose the foods you love<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe often feel obliged to eat festive foods at Christmas parties or events. However, unless you really enjoy mince pies, brandy butter, mulled wine, eggnog or Christmas cake, you\u2019ll be unnecessarily consuming extra calories. Only eat the foods that you really enjoy! If you are a fan of mince pies, arrange to meet up with a friend at a caf\u00e9 that makes delicious, fresh mince pies. You\u2019ll gain more pleasure from this than mindlessly scoffing a free one while buying your Christmas tree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Remember that food is not the enemy!<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch shows that banning foods actually backfires, leading to people liking, wanting and eating more of the \u2018forbidden\u2019 items. A research study published in the scientific journal Appetite<\/em> found that participants with a tendency to overeat consumed approximately 133% more chocolate when prohibited from eating it for 24 hours. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychologically banning a food or going on a diet that demonises a specific food group, such as carbs or fats, is the perfect recipe for inducing overeating and weight gain. Rather than viewing certain foods as \u2018bad\u2019, a more helpful way to think about nutrition from a mindset point of view is \u2018everyday foods\u2019 and \u2018sometimes foods.\u2019 As long as you don\u2019t eat like this every day, you can enjoy a couple of big, delicious Christmas dinners with your friends and family without impacting your health in the long run. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Plan Your Social Diary Wisely<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. We often cram in so many work and social events that our sleep is disrupted. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity <\/em>found that people who reported less than 6 hours sleep and the highest stress levels were around half as likely to reach their weight loss goals than those with 6-8 hours sleep and lower stress. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s a consistent body of scientific evidence showing that less sleep is associated with bigger waistlines. Sleep loss results in changes in our hormonal levels, leading to higher levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin, which is linked to increased hunger and appetite. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Aim to spread your social events out over the festive break \u2013 you may even want to decline one or two invitations. When you do have a big night coming up, try to have enough sleep, eat well, and exercise a few days before and after the occasion so that you give your body the best chance to rest and rejuvenate. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6.\u00a0Don\u2019t be tricked into making impulse Christmas food buys <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychological research indicates that we make over 200 food-related decisions every day, with 90% happening without our awareness. Grocery industry studies suggest that 60-70% of purchases are unplanned. Retailers expend considerable resources on changing the in-store layout, display arrangements, shelf configurations, store ambience and time-limited promotions to subconsciously influence consumer spending and induce impulse buys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Impulse buying because an item is reduced in price or you\u2019re waiting in the queue may boost the store\u2019s profits, but over time can supersize your waistline. Marketing studies show that impulse buying increases without a shopping list, with the amount of time you spend in store, the number of aisles shopped, and in unfamiliar store layouts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with healthy eating this winter, why not stick to your Mindful Chef recipe boxes<\/a> to ensure you only buy the food you need!\u00a0For supermarket shopping, write a shopping list and go straight for these items rather than walking up and down each supermarket aisle. Remember, if an item is reduced in price but it isn\u2019t on your shopping list, you\u2019re not saving money by buying it!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n7. Give Yourself Permission <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a stressful time of year with work, family and social commitments. When we\u2019re stressed, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Consistently high levels of cortisol may increase the ability of fat cells to store fat and promote the accumulation of fat around the waist. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Stress-related eating is also linked to weight gain. The more stressed that you feel, the more important it is to look after yourself by still making time to eat a nourishing lunch, running a hot bath at the end of the day or attending your favourite yoga class in order to stay well. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Self-care isn\u2019t selfish. This Christmas give yourself permission to look after yourself and prioritise your health. The irony is that when you\u2019re feeling at your best, you have more energy and headspace to give to others and take part in fantastic initiatives such as Mindful Chef\u2019s Reverse Advent Calendar.<\/a> <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n8. Buy your Christmas food just in time for Christmas<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Supermarkets stock festive foods weeks before Christmas. Promotions and offers can lead to the kitchen cupboards being filled with tempting foods. Ask yourself: \u2018if I buy these boxes of biscuits or mince pies now, will they last until Christmas Day? Or is it far more likely I\u2019ll open them up after a long day to have with a cup of tea?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStudies show that stockpiling \u2013 storing large quantities of a food at home \u2013 leads to significantly increased consumption. People who buy cookies for an upcoming party end up eating 155% more on a daily basis. You might want to buy your turkey in advance, but for all those other foods that you\u2019ll find tempting, see if you can buy them as close to Christmas Day as possible. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
9. Box up the tempting leftovers on Boxing Day<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSugary, fatty and salty foods change the chemistry in the brain, triggering reward circuits and stimulating the release of dopamine, which gives us a pleasurable feeling. Research shows that even seeing foods high in sugar and fat triggers the reward circuitry in the brain. Certain foods exert such a powerful effect on the brain\u2019s reward network and biochemistry that willpower alone is often insufficient to resist eating these foods. Different foods, whether chocolate, crisps or cheese, invoke different responses in different people. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with your health goals and feel more in control this Christmas, it\u2019s important to know which foods you find most difficult to resist. On Boxing Day, pack up these foods and give them away to work, friends or a food shelter. You\u2019ll go into the New Year feeling healthier and more in control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
10. Forgive yourself when things go wrong<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a banquet of indulgent foods and drinks at work buffets, friends\u2019 parties and family lunches. There will be times when you eat less healthily than you intended. That\u2019s okay! Be aware of the trap of overeating, feeling awful and then over-eating more. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The secret to lasting health and sustainable weight loss is developing the skill to get back on track as soon as possible. You might think that you need to be hard on yourself to ensure you don\u2019t make the same mistake again. However, when we internally criticise ourselves we tend to feel ashamed and want to hide from the situation. Research shows that being self-compassionate promotes resilience and accountability. When you\u2019re kind to yourself and accept that everyone make mistakes, you\u2019re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the situation and more likely to take responsibility and bounce back. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To receive Dr. Aria\u2019s monthly blog and 3 Mindful Steps to Overcome Overeating<\/em>, just head to his website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Christmas is a time of celebration, parties and festive foods! Finding the balance between enjoying the next few weeks and staying fit and healthy can be tricky. This December we asked an expert in long-term health and mindfulness, Dr. Aria, how to successfully navigate through the Christmas season. Here are his top 10 tips to…<\/p>\n
3. Choose the foods you love<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWe often feel obliged to eat festive foods at Christmas parties or events. However, unless you really enjoy mince pies, brandy butter, mulled wine, eggnog or Christmas cake, you\u2019ll be unnecessarily consuming extra calories. Only eat the foods that you really enjoy! If you are a fan of mince pies, arrange to meet up with a friend at a caf\u00e9 that makes delicious, fresh mince pies. You\u2019ll gain more pleasure from this than mindlessly scoffing a free one while buying your Christmas tree.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
4. Remember that food is not the enemy!<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nResearch shows that banning foods actually backfires, leading to people liking, wanting and eating more of the \u2018forbidden\u2019 items. A research study published in the scientific journal Appetite<\/em> found that participants with a tendency to overeat consumed approximately 133% more chocolate when prohibited from eating it for 24 hours. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychologically banning a food or going on a diet that demonises a specific food group, such as carbs or fats, is the perfect recipe for inducing overeating and weight gain. Rather than viewing certain foods as \u2018bad\u2019, a more helpful way to think about nutrition from a mindset point of view is \u2018everyday foods\u2019 and \u2018sometimes foods.\u2019 As long as you don\u2019t eat like this every day, you can enjoy a couple of big, delicious Christmas dinners with your friends and family without impacting your health in the long run. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
5. Plan Your Social Diary Wisely<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. We often cram in so many work and social events that our sleep is disrupted. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity <\/em>found that people who reported less than 6 hours sleep and the highest stress levels were around half as likely to reach their weight loss goals than those with 6-8 hours sleep and lower stress. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nThere\u2019s a consistent body of scientific evidence showing that less sleep is associated with bigger waistlines. Sleep loss results in changes in our hormonal levels, leading to higher levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin, which is linked to increased hunger and appetite. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Aim to spread your social events out over the festive break \u2013 you may even want to decline one or two invitations. When you do have a big night coming up, try to have enough sleep, eat well, and exercise a few days before and after the occasion so that you give your body the best chance to rest and rejuvenate. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6.\u00a0Don\u2019t be tricked into making impulse Christmas food buys <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nPsychological research indicates that we make over 200 food-related decisions every day, with 90% happening without our awareness. Grocery industry studies suggest that 60-70% of purchases are unplanned. Retailers expend considerable resources on changing the in-store layout, display arrangements, shelf configurations, store ambience and time-limited promotions to subconsciously influence consumer spending and induce impulse buys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Impulse buying because an item is reduced in price or you\u2019re waiting in the queue may boost the store\u2019s profits, but over time can supersize your waistline. Marketing studies show that impulse buying increases without a shopping list, with the amount of time you spend in store, the number of aisles shopped, and in unfamiliar store layouts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with healthy eating this winter, why not stick to your Mindful Chef recipe boxes<\/a> to ensure you only buy the food you need!\u00a0For supermarket shopping, write a shopping list and go straight for these items rather than walking up and down each supermarket aisle. Remember, if an item is reduced in price but it isn\u2019t on your shopping list, you\u2019re not saving money by buying it!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n7. Give Yourself Permission <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a stressful time of year with work, family and social commitments. When we\u2019re stressed, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Consistently high levels of cortisol may increase the ability of fat cells to store fat and promote the accumulation of fat around the waist. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Stress-related eating is also linked to weight gain. The more stressed that you feel, the more important it is to look after yourself by still making time to eat a nourishing lunch, running a hot bath at the end of the day or attending your favourite yoga class in order to stay well. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Self-care isn\u2019t selfish. This Christmas give yourself permission to look after yourself and prioritise your health. The irony is that when you\u2019re feeling at your best, you have more energy and headspace to give to others and take part in fantastic initiatives such as Mindful Chef\u2019s Reverse Advent Calendar.<\/a> <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n8. Buy your Christmas food just in time for Christmas<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Supermarkets stock festive foods weeks before Christmas. Promotions and offers can lead to the kitchen cupboards being filled with tempting foods. Ask yourself: \u2018if I buy these boxes of biscuits or mince pies now, will they last until Christmas Day? Or is it far more likely I\u2019ll open them up after a long day to have with a cup of tea?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nStudies show that stockpiling \u2013 storing large quantities of a food at home \u2013 leads to significantly increased consumption. People who buy cookies for an upcoming party end up eating 155% more on a daily basis. You might want to buy your turkey in advance, but for all those other foods that you\u2019ll find tempting, see if you can buy them as close to Christmas Day as possible. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
9. Box up the tempting leftovers on Boxing Day<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nSugary, fatty and salty foods change the chemistry in the brain, triggering reward circuits and stimulating the release of dopamine, which gives us a pleasurable feeling. Research shows that even seeing foods high in sugar and fat triggers the reward circuitry in the brain. Certain foods exert such a powerful effect on the brain\u2019s reward network and biochemistry that willpower alone is often insufficient to resist eating these foods. Different foods, whether chocolate, crisps or cheese, invoke different responses in different people. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To stay on track with your health goals and feel more in control this Christmas, it\u2019s important to know which foods you find most difficult to resist. On Boxing Day, pack up these foods and give them away to work, friends or a food shelter. You\u2019ll go into the New Year feeling healthier and more in control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
10. Forgive yourself when things go wrong<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nChristmas can be a banquet of indulgent foods and drinks at work buffets, friends\u2019 parties and family lunches. There will be times when you eat less healthily than you intended. That\u2019s okay! Be aware of the trap of overeating, feeling awful and then over-eating more. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The secret to lasting health and sustainable weight loss is developing the skill to get back on track as soon as possible. You might think that you need to be hard on yourself to ensure you don\u2019t make the same mistake again. However, when we internally criticise ourselves we tend to feel ashamed and want to hide from the situation. Research shows that being self-compassionate promotes resilience and accountability. When you\u2019re kind to yourself and accept that everyone make mistakes, you\u2019re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the situation and more likely to take responsibility and bounce back. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To receive Dr. Aria\u2019s monthly blog and 3 Mindful Steps to Overcome Overeating<\/em>, just head to his website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Christmas is a time of celebration, parties and festive foods! Finding the balance between enjoying the next few weeks and staying fit and healthy can be tricky. This December we asked an expert in long-term health and mindfulness, Dr. Aria, how to successfully navigate through the Christmas season. Here are his top 10 tips to…<\/p>\n
Research shows that banning foods actually backfires, leading to people liking, wanting and eating more of the \u2018forbidden\u2019 items. A research study published in the scientific journal Appetite<\/em> found that participants with a tendency to overeat consumed approximately 133% more chocolate when prohibited from eating it for 24 hours. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Psychologically banning a food or going on a diet that demonises a specific food group, such as carbs or fats, is the perfect recipe for inducing overeating and weight gain. Rather than viewing certain foods as \u2018bad\u2019, a more helpful way to think about nutrition from a mindset point of view is \u2018everyday foods\u2019 and \u2018sometimes foods.\u2019 As long as you don\u2019t eat like this every day, you can enjoy a couple of big, delicious Christmas dinners with your friends and family without impacting your health in the long run. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Christmas can be one of the busiest times of the year. We often cram in so many work and social events that our sleep is disrupted. A study published in the International Journal of Obesity <\/em>found that people who reported less than 6 hours sleep and the highest stress levels were around half as likely to reach their weight loss goals than those with 6-8 hours sleep and lower stress. \u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n There\u2019s a consistent body of scientific evidence showing that less sleep is associated with bigger waistlines. Sleep loss results in changes in our hormonal levels, leading to higher levels of ghrelin and decreased levels of leptin, which is linked to increased hunger and appetite. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Aim to spread your social events out over the festive break \u2013 you may even want to decline one or two invitations. When you do have a big night coming up, try to have enough sleep, eat well, and exercise a few days before and after the occasion so that you give your body the best chance to rest and rejuvenate. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Psychological research indicates that we make over 200 food-related decisions every day, with 90% happening without our awareness. Grocery industry studies suggest that 60-70% of purchases are unplanned. Retailers expend considerable resources on changing the in-store layout, display arrangements, shelf configurations, store ambience and time-limited promotions to subconsciously influence consumer spending and induce impulse buys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Impulse buying because an item is reduced in price or you\u2019re waiting in the queue may boost the store\u2019s profits, but over time can supersize your waistline. Marketing studies show that impulse buying increases without a shopping list, with the amount of time you spend in store, the number of aisles shopped, and in unfamiliar store layouts. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To stay on track with healthy eating this winter, why not stick to your Mindful Chef recipe boxes<\/a> to ensure you only buy the food you need!\u00a0For supermarket shopping, write a shopping list and go straight for these items rather than walking up and down each supermarket aisle. Remember, if an item is reduced in price but it isn\u2019t on your shopping list, you\u2019re not saving money by buying it!\u00a0<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Christmas can be a stressful time of year with work, family and social commitments. When we\u2019re stressed, our bodies release the stress hormone cortisol. Consistently high levels of cortisol may increase the ability of fat cells to store fat and promote the accumulation of fat around the waist. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Stress-related eating is also linked to weight gain. The more stressed that you feel, the more important it is to look after yourself by still making time to eat a nourishing lunch, running a hot bath at the end of the day or attending your favourite yoga class in order to stay well. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Self-care isn\u2019t selfish. This Christmas give yourself permission to look after yourself and prioritise your health. The irony is that when you\u2019re feeling at your best, you have more energy and headspace to give to others and take part in fantastic initiatives such as Mindful Chef\u2019s Reverse Advent Calendar.<\/a> <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Supermarkets stock festive foods weeks before Christmas. Promotions and offers can lead to the kitchen cupboards being filled with tempting foods. Ask yourself: \u2018if I buy these boxes of biscuits or mince pies now, will they last until Christmas Day? Or is it far more likely I\u2019ll open them up after a long day to have with a cup of tea?\u2019<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Studies show that stockpiling \u2013 storing large quantities of a food at home \u2013 leads to significantly increased consumption. People who buy cookies for an upcoming party end up eating 155% more on a daily basis. You might want to buy your turkey in advance, but for all those other foods that you\u2019ll find tempting, see if you can buy them as close to Christmas Day as possible. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Sugary, fatty and salty foods change the chemistry in the brain, triggering reward circuits and stimulating the release of dopamine, which gives us a pleasurable feeling. Research shows that even seeing foods high in sugar and fat triggers the reward circuitry in the brain. Certain foods exert such a powerful effect on the brain\u2019s reward network and biochemistry that willpower alone is often insufficient to resist eating these foods. Different foods, whether chocolate, crisps or cheese, invoke different responses in different people. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To stay on track with your health goals and feel more in control this Christmas, it\u2019s important to know which foods you find most difficult to resist. On Boxing Day, pack up these foods and give them away to work, friends or a food shelter. You\u2019ll go into the New Year feeling healthier and more in control.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n Christmas can be a banquet of indulgent foods and drinks at work buffets, friends\u2019 parties and family lunches. There will be times when you eat less healthily than you intended. That\u2019s okay! Be aware of the trap of overeating, feeling awful and then over-eating more. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n The secret to lasting health and sustainable weight loss is developing the skill to get back on track as soon as possible. You might think that you need to be hard on yourself to ensure you don\u2019t make the same mistake again. However, when we internally criticise ourselves we tend to feel ashamed and want to hide from the situation. Research shows that being self-compassionate promotes resilience and accountability. When you\u2019re kind to yourself and accept that everyone make mistakes, you\u2019re less likely to feel overwhelmed by the situation and more likely to take responsibility and bounce back. <\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n To receive Dr. Aria\u2019s monthly blog and 3 Mindful Steps to Overcome Overeating<\/em>, just head to his website\u00a0here<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n <\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Christmas is a time of celebration, parties and festive foods! Finding the balance between enjoying the next few weeks and staying fit and healthy can be tricky. This December we asked an expert in long-term health and mindfulness, Dr. Aria, how to successfully navigate through the Christmas season. Here are his top 10 tips to…<\/p>\n5. Plan Your Social Diary Wisely<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
6.\u00a0Don\u2019t be tricked into making impulse Christmas food buys <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
7. Give Yourself Permission <\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
8. Buy your Christmas food just in time for Christmas<\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
9. Box up the tempting leftovers on Boxing Day<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
10. Forgive yourself when things go wrong<\/strong><\/h4>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n