Enjoy The Holidays Without Gaining Weight
by Lynn Bode
The holiday season is undoubtedly a time for rejoicing. Unfortunately, the average adult does a little too much celebrating during this time of year, which leads to extra baggage when the New Year rings in. Festivities that include indulging in extra helpings, snacking on seasonal treats, and little to no workout time all contribute to the increase in dieters in January.
So, this holiday season buck the trends and avoid the Seasonal Seven (the average
weight most of us will gain between Thanksgiving and the New Year). That's one
trend you don't want to participate in!
Even though this time of year may bring upon additional stresses and challenges,
there are ways to find balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Though at times
it may seem impossible to bypass the season's traditional foods, there are many
ways to partake in the fun without increasing your pant size. The festivities
don't have to be eliminated or avoided. You can have a fabulous time while also
maintaining your weight and your fitness regimen.
Moderation is the word of the season. It's the secret to achieving a fun but
also healthy holiday time. With a moderate approach both to what you eat (or
don't eat) and how much exercise you do (or don't do), you can avoid packing
on weight AND also partake in all the fun of this time of year. So this season,
get a head start on the New Year instead of starting January with extra pounds
to lose.
Here are some tips to help you during those hectic holiday weeks:
- Create a plan ahead of time. Before the holidays sneak up on you, create
a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutrition into your daily routine.
Evaluate your holiday schedule and then determine how much time you will realistically
have available to devote to working out.
- If you work in an office setting be prepared for the deluge of guilty treats
your co-workers and other business associates will graciously want to share.
Stash your own healthy snacks in your desk so you won't be tempted to overindulge
when your grumbling stomach demands a 3:00 snack time.
- Don't put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If you can't exercise
as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately.
Don't use the excuse that since you don't have time for your full workout
you just won't workout at all. Instead accept your limited availability and
simply reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It's much better
to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
- When attending a holiday function, try to eat ahead of time to lessen your
hunger. If the party is in the evening, eat breakfast, lunch and a snack before
hand (just as you would on any other day). Since you have eaten meals earlier
in the day, you'll be less tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight.
However, if you instead starve all day long attempting to "save up"
all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time it begins
that it will be difficult not to overeat.
- Schedule your workouts. Mark them on the calendar and set-aside time to
complete them. Consider them as important as any other appointment or event
you have marked on your calendar. . At holiday dinners, skip the gravy, dressings,
and high-calorie condiments.
- On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your
complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. You'll
probably end up doing more than that once you get started. Even if you only
end up completing 10 minutes, that is still a lot better than zero minutes.
- When at a party, scout out healthy food options rather than doing a grab
and run on all the unhealthy selections. For example, vegetable sticks (without
dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces, etc. Then move on to some of the
less healthy (but yummy) offerings. You will be less likely to overindulge
on these foods if you have already filled-up on some of the healthier items.
Yet, you will not feel deprived or unsatisfied.
- Exercise at home. You'll be more inclined to follow-through on your exercise
commitment if you don't have to drive somewhere to do your workout. Plus,
you won't waste any time on driving, parking, the locker room or waiting to
use equipment. Working out at home requires very little equipment (it even
can be equipment-free) and is quite inexpensive.
- Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink
contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you've
drunk the equivalent calories of an entire meal. If you partake in these beverages,
choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try mixing
half a glass of wine with sparkling water or with a diet soda. This will help
cut your calories in half.
- When running errands or shopping, be sure to pack some healthy snacks to
have on-hand. Then after you work-up a big appetite, you won't be tempted
to grab something at the mall food court or the fast food restaurant on the
way home.
- Don't linger at the buffet or in the kitchen. If you loiter in close proximity
to all the guilty temptations, you'll struggle to keep from unconsciously
shoveling food into your mouth.
- Focus on socializing. Remember one of the great things about the holidays is spending time with friends and family. During get-togethers spend the majority of time sharing conversation instead of sharing desserts.
Hopefully these tips will help you find a balance between staying fit and also enjoying the fun of the season. Remember, moderation is the key. Have a great holiday season!
About The Author
Lynn Bode is a certified personal trainer specializing in Internet-based fitness
programs. She founded Workouts For You, which provides affordable online exercise
programs that are custom designed for each individual. Visit: http://www.workoutsforyou.com
for a free sample workout. Fitness professionals take your business online,
visit: http://www.trainerforce.com