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