Australians are renowned for their festive season food and wine indulgences – it’s a wonder we don’t look more like Santa!
On average, Australians gain somewhere between 0.8-1.5kg over the Christmas break. So it’s no surprise that after gorging on sugary treats and alcohol, we often promise ourselves that we’ll turn over a new leaf on January 1.
But in reality, all this is doing is putting us even further behind.
Paleo diet advocates Pete Evans and Luke Hines say that there is no better time to start your New Year’s health regime than right now. Yes, right now.
Weaning off sugar and alcohol gradually means that you won’t be hit as hard as going cold turkey when February rolls around, and you’ll also start to reap the benefits, such as more consistent energy levels, improved mood, and improved digestion.
Here, Pete Evans and Luke Hines share their top tips to cut back on sugar and alcohol over the holidays. If you’ve eaten one too many Christmas puddings over the festive break, these sugar-free tips could be the clean living impetus you need for a happier, healthier New Year…
- Firstly, make the promise to yourself! Then tell others about it to widen your commitment, and always remember ‘WHY’ you are doing it.
- Reward yourselves with nourishing activities like going to the beach or exploring somewhere new.
- Try swapping sugary foods for more nutritious, but still delicious snacks like berries or fruit, nuts, dates or even raw sugar-free treats.
- Alcohol can be swapped with sparkling water and lemon, herbal teas, coconut water or your favourite mocktails.
Need some recipe inspo’ to crave those sweet cravings? Try Pete Evans sugar-free Chococado Mousse With Raspberries.
