Between work parties, a big Christmas dinner, edible gifts and New Year’s celebrations, it’s easy to overindulge during the festive season. If you’re feeling it now the decorations are down, you’re not alone — and the good news is you don’t need anything drastic to feel back on track.
We teamed up with fitness, health and wellness expert Lesley Giltinan of LeanWithLesley.com to bring you her top tips to lose the bulge after Christmas — or indeed at any time of year.
Top Tips To Lose The Bulge After Christmas
#1. Drink up
It’s one that’s always mentioned, but drinking water really does help. People often think they’re hungry when they’re actually just thirsty, so next time you feel like snacking, reach for a glass of water first. Outside of training sessions, aim for around 1.5 to 2 litres of water daily.
Top Tip from Lesley
A glass of cooled or warm boiled water with lemon juice is a great way to start your day. Lemon juice can help increase your metabolic rate, which has a positive effect on weight loss. Drinking water with lemon on an empty stomach each morning also supports digestive health, keeps you hydrated, and helps regulate natural bowel movement. It’s a simple habit with plenty of upside.
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#2. Eat Regularly
As much as possible, eat regularly and make healthy choices — real food that grew from the ground or once had a heartbeat. Make sure you get your greens and your protein into every meal or snack.
Avoid grazing throughout the day. Instead, try setting yourself an eating window — a period during the day when you allow yourself to eat, such as 9am to 5pm or 11am to 7pm, depending on your lifestyle. Have your meals and snacks within that window, and outside of it, stick to water, tea or coffee.
Top Tip from Lesley
Restricting your meals and snacks to a certain window can naturally reduce your calorie intake, which supports weight loss. As with any change to your eating pattern, find a window that genuinely suits your lifestyle and stick with it consistently rather than making it overly strict.
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#3. Get active
Get moving and burn some calories by adding a little more energy to your daily routine. You can work out at home on your own, get outside for a walk, or if you’re in the Cork area, look into one of the Lean with Lesley classes — see leanwithlesley.com for details.
Other small changes that can help boost your fitness include:
- Taking the stairs instead of the lift
- Parking further away from school or work and walking the rest
- Joining a dance class
- Going for a cycle or swim with the kids
- Using your lunch break for a walk
Top Tip from Lesley
Exercise can be fitted into your day quite easily — taking the first step is always the hardest part. Once you’re on the journey and seeing results, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner. The LeanWithLesley app offers fitness videos, workout blasts, food plans and tips to help kickstart your new year — available for Apple or Android.
#4. Treat Yourself
If you allow yourself a treat every now and then, it can actually help your progress rather than hurt it. Have a cheat meal when you need to, and don’t beat yourself up over it. Allowing yourself the occasional treat helps you stay motivated, feel less deprived, and can even help keep your metabolism ticking along well.
Top Tip from Lesley
Get back on track — and never give up. Avoid the “well, that’s it, I may as well eat what I want now” mindset. The more you practise getting back on track after a slip, the easier it becomes, and over time you’ll naturally crave sugary or processed foods less.
#5. Set Realistic Goals
You can’t expect to reach your target weight straight away, so make sure your goal is realistic. You’re far more likely to keep the weight off if you lose it gradually — aim for a couple of pounds, or around one kilogram, a week.
Top Tip from Lesley
Stay motivated, and remember it’s not all about the scales. Weigh in no more than once a week. When you hit a weekly goal, treat yourself with something other than food — new workout gear, a great playlist, or anything else that keeps you motivated. Whatever works for you, you’ve earned it.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How quickly should I expect to see results after Christmas overindulgence?
Be patient with yourself. A steady approach — losing around a pound or so a week — is far more sustainable than trying to undo the festive season overnight, and you’re much more likely to keep the results.
Do I have to cut out treats completely to lose the bulge after Christmas?
No. Allowing yourself the occasional treat can actually help you stay motivated and stick to healthier habits long term, rather than feeling deprived and giving up altogether.
Is an eating window suitable for everyone?
An eating window can work well for many people, but everyone’s lifestyle and routine is different. Choose a window that genuinely fits your day, and adjust it if it’s not working for you.
What’s the easiest way to start being more active with kids around?
Small, everyday changes count — a family walk, cycle or swim, taking the stairs, or using part of your lunch break to move. You don’t need a big block of free time to make a difference.
Related Articles
- 15 Everyday Superfoods with Major Health Benefits
- 8 Delicious Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for Busy Mornings!
- Our Pick of The Most Wonderful Winter Walks for Families in Ireland
Fancy more family-friendly ideas like this? Browse our other health and wellbeing articles for more simple, realistic tips you can fit around family life.
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