Here are some tips:
1. Eating mindfully during Christmas Eve dinner
The highlight of Christmas is the traditional Christmas Eve dinner, usually consisting of carp, potato salad, and other hearty dishes. These dishes are often high in calories, but can be enjoyed without overdoing it.
Tip: Aim for moderation. Enjoy your Christmas carp and potato salad, but try to balance your plate with a healthy portion of vegetables or a lighter appetizer, such as vegetable soup. Instead of loading up on heavy portions, consider serving smaller portions and savoring every bite.
2. Stay active in cold weather
Czech winters can be harsh, with low temperatures and snow, but that doesn’t mean you have to stay indoors all season. Staying active is key to preventing weight gain during the holidays.
Tip:Try outdoor activities that are part of Czech winter culture, such as ice skating, skiing, or just strolling through the beautifully decorated Christmas markets in Prague, Brno, or other cities. A brisk walk through a Christmas market can be a fun way to burn off some extra calories while enjoying the holiday atmosphere.
3. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption
During the Christmas season, Czechs often indulge in a glass (or more) of beer, wine, or slivovitz. While these drinks are an integral part of the celebration, they can add quite a bit of calories.
Tip:Limit your alcohol intake by alternating alcoholic beverages with water or sparkling water. If you enjoy a glass of svařák, try making it a special treat and having several servings. This helps prevent excessive calorie consumption without detracting from the holiday experience.
4. Choose healthier versions of traditional sweets
Christmas treats like vánočka, linček sukroví and trdelník are delicious, but they are high in sugar, butter and flour.
Tip: Consider making or buying healthier versions of your favorite Czech Christmas cookies. For example, you can bake vánočka with whole wheat flour or reduce the sugar in your linček sukroví recipe. Enjoy smaller portions of these treats and supplement them with healthier options like fruit or nuts.
5. Use smaller plates and serve yourself wisely
It’s easy to get carried away by large portions during Christmas dinners, especially when there are so many delicious dishes on offer. Festive tables are filled with hearty dishes that are easy to overeat.
Tip:Use smaller plates to control portion sizes. Eating smaller portions of each dish will allow you to try different dishes without overeating. Plus, eating slowly and savoring every bite will help you feel satisfied with less.
6. Avoid unnecessary snacking
It’s easy to grab snacks from the table at a party and mindlessly nibble while chatting with friends and family. Without realizing it, you can end up eating more than you intended, especially in terms of calories.
Tip: Set specific meal times and try to focus on enjoying your meal rather than constantly snacking. When you’re at a Christmas party, step away from the dinner table and engage in a fun activity, like singing Christmas carols or playing a holiday game. This will help keep your mind off the food and reduce the temptation to mindlessly snack.
7. Drink plenty of water
During the winter months, especially in colder weather, it’s easy to forget to stay hydrated. Many people enjoy hot drinks like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate during the holiday season, but it’s also important to remember to drink water.
Tip:Make sure you drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you’re sipping on hot beverages. Staying hydrated can help curb overeating, as thirst can sometimes be mistaken for hunger. Keep a bottle of water nearby and take a few sips between meals to stay on track.
8. Create a post-holiday health plan
Christmas is just one part of the holiday season, and it’s easy to feel like you’ve gained weight before the New Year rolls around. The key, however, is to balance indulgence with moderation and not let a few celebratory treats derail your overall health goals.
Tip:Start planning for the post-Christmas season by setting realistic health goals for January. Whether you want to hit the gym, take on a winter fitness challenge, or cook more balanced meals, having a plan in place can help you feel motivated to get back to your regular routine after the holidays.
9. Enjoy the holiday spirit outside of food
Christmas isn’t just about food. It’s a time for family, friends, and making memories. When you focus on the joy of the season and the connections you make, you’ll find that you don’t have to rely on food to feel festive.
Tip: Try focusing on non-food-related activities during the holidays. Whether it’s attending a Christmas Eve service, visiting a Christmas market, or taking a winter walk, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season without overindulging in food.
Bottom line
Christmas is a time of celebration and delicious food, but it’s possible to enjoy it without gaining weight. By paying attention to portion sizes, staying active, limiting alcohol intake, and choosing healthier versions of traditional sweets, you can find a balance between enjoyment and health. Remember, Christmas isn't just about food - it's about making memories, sharing time with loved ones, and embracing the spirit of the season.
