The festive season often brings with it extra weight as family meals and indulgent treats abound.
Clinical dietitian Elina Ioannou, speaking on Mesimeri kai Kati, emphasised the need for a structured plan to lose the weight gained during the Christmas holidays. She acknowledged the challenge of stepping on the scale post-holidays but urged calmness, suggesting it’s time to set new goals to return to or improve upon previous dietary habits.
Ioannou advised starting by avoiding holiday indulgences such as sweets and processed foods, drinking plenty of water, and limiting alcohol intake. She highlighted the importance of having a plan, noting that while intermittent fasting isn’t necessarily harmful, it isn’t suitable for everyone and should be assessed by a specialist.
She cautioned against extreme diets, complete food avoidance, or eliminating entire food groups. Instead, she recommended focusing on vegetables and fruits, maintaining a balanced approach. Setting realistic goals is key, as rapid weight loss can lead to muscle loss and dehydration.
Ioannou also stressed the importance of carbohydrates, explaining they provide essential energy. Regarding the time needed to shed holiday weight, she noted that people typically gain 3–4 kilograms during the holidays and can lose it at a rate of 0.5–1 kilogram per week, achieving results within a month.
The dietitian emphasised that a combination of diet, exercise, hydration, and rest is essential for healthy weight loss.
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