Dietitian Susie Burrell and personal trainer share exactly how to shred for Christmas in 18 days

A dietitian and personal trainer has shared exactly how you can shred for Christmas in the 18 days leading up to December 25, and why you should always eat a high-protein snack an hour or two before an event.

Susie Burrell, from Sydney, and Leanne Ward said the most important thing to remember with Christmas is that ‘it’s a day or two, not a whole month’, and you need to think about what you’re eating and do accordingly.

“There are a few things we do every year to make sure we don’t blow up too much in the month of December,” Susie told FEMAIL.

The couple shared their healthy tips and tricks.

A dietitian and personal trainer has shared exactly how you can shred for Christmas in the 18 days leading up to December 25, and the simple tips and tricks to keep your health goals on track (Susie Burrell and Leanne Ward pictured)

Susie recommends ‘buffering’ on healthy days when you know you’re eating more and heavier food. She also said that she should always have a high-protein, vegetable-based snack before an event.

DIET

When it comes to dieting in silly season, the couple agree that the most important thing is for you to be aware of how much you’re eating, and then “buffer” nutritious foods accordingly.

“Since most of us will overindulge in high-calorie party foods and alcohol at some point, it’s also a good time to cushion these days of bingeing with a focus on low-calorie, nutrient-dense vegetables, salads, and protein. lean”. Susie told FEMAIL.

“Personally, I prefer the days of vegetable juices, shrimp salad or chicken breast and plenty of roasted vegetables and fresh fruit with natural yogurt.”

Susie said she’s careful when it comes to parties full of canapés with little nutritional value, only allowing herself one or two.

“Fried foods, greasy sauces, French fries, corn chips and cakes all pack a lot of calories with very little enjoyment,” he said.

Instead, her main trick is to eat a protein-rich, vegetable-rich snack an hour or two before heading to any party or function.

“This means that I never arrive hungry and feel the need to stuff myself with poor quality food,” he said.

He also waits until he’s “really hungry” before eating instead of eating by the clock, even if this means “fasting for several hours after a big day or big meal.”

“Taste and savor heavier foods at parties and events, instead of overeating them just because they’re there,” she said.

‘So get rid of your leftovers quickly and remember that Christmas is a day or two, not a month!’

The hosts of The Nutrition Couch podcast (pictured) recommend eating as mindfully as possible and waiting until you’re truly hungry to eat rather than following the clock.

Leanne (pictured) said the best thing to do is opt for incidental exercise where and when you can, whether it’s parking farther away or walking around the block.

EXERCISE

When it comes to working out, both Susie and Leanne agree that you may not have time for your regular workouts.

But that doesn’t mean you should forget about exercise altogether.

“Get some incidental movement whenever you can,” Leanne said.

“That could mean parking in the parking lot farthest from the stores, taking the stairs and not the elevator when you take your kids to their appointments after school, and walking around the block instead of sitting down and fumbling on your phone.”

Susie said that movement, even walking, aids digestion, and something as simple as a brisk walk with a friend over a coffee to go instead of catching up on an alcoholic beverage will give your body benefits.

“If you’re going to the gym, focus on big compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, chest presses, shoulder presses, pull-ups, and burpees,” Leanne said.

These will give you the most bang for your buck with a workout.

“But don’t forget, the gym and training create your shape, but nutrition is what really reduces body fat,” he said.

“Most people think the gym is to tone up, but tonight it really happens in the kitchen.

“You want to use the gym to build muscle mass, but proper balanced nutrition to shed body fat and see muscle mass is what gives people the toned look they’re looking for.”

Susie Burrell and Leanne Ward are the hosts of Australia’s number one nutrition podcast, The Nutrition Couch. For more information, click here.