Some tips to stay fit this festive season !!!

You don’t want all those effort filled days on the treadmill go in vain. Neither do you want to offend the gesture of your friends and family during the celebrations. So what do you do? You don't have to shun sweets altogether, but being smart in your choice helps. The following 10 tips will help you balance the sugar intake so that the festive season doesn't build on your waistline.

1. Pick savoury items for breakfast, and mid meal snacks. Opt for a poha or upma, instead of a sheera, whole wheat muffins, pop tarts or cereal in milk. These will keep you feeling full for longer and supply lesser calories and more energy.
2. Keep a handful of grapes, granola bars, juices and fruit yogurt at bay. This becomes imperative on the days you anticipate force-feeding of sweets and other sinful indulgences.
3. Shift your focus to maintaining your weight. In the process, you can allow a few slips and serve yourself half the carb portion sizes you would normally take to adjust the incoming load of calories.  For example, a palm full of marzipan can replace 2 bowls of rice.
4. If the party is at your place, play the conscious host and try to nip calories wherever possible with low cal dips, and dressings. Include more fruits and veggies, lean cuts and whole grains.
5. Choose appetizers which are not packed with calories, they normally fill you up. A shrimp cocktail, or a Caesar’s salad or canapés with a yogurt dip make great choices.
6. For desserts you can pick chocolate dipped strawberries, or a sliver of warm fruit pie.
7. Chew on every bite, enjoy the food. You will find yourself eating lesser than usual and yet feel satiated.
8. Stay away from heavy cocktails. Pick wine, sparkling water or a low calorie punch. The trick is to slowly sip and nurse your drink. Take double the time to taste and appreciate it. You will drink lesser than the “bottoms up” routine.
9. Make lunch and dinner at home protein dense meals with lentils or white meat (fish and chicken).
10. No matter how busy the day, try and squeeze in a 10 min brisk walk or a quick jog to nullify the intake to output ratio.  Refrain from having the impression of “What can a 10 min workout do?” You will be surprised by its contribution.