Stay Ahead, Avoid The Holiday Pounds
Stay Ahead, Avoid The Holiday Pounds
We have slowly risen up from the "Holiday 10" to the "Holiday 15" over the past couple decades and as they say in one of our famous holiday jingles "it doesn't show signs of stopping." There are numerous reasons for the rising numbers, some societal, some habitual, and some just plain numerical. The good news is that if you can come to understand how to navigate through this time of year, I am confident you will not be a part of the rising numbers. Here are a few tips for the coming weeks and take you into the New Year one step ahead:
Eat before you go to your holiday parties. You don't need to stuff yourself, but don't go to a party hungry. While you don't want to offend your host by boycotting their food, a little at home "appetizer" will keep your food cravings to a minimum. And if you are having any alcoholic beverages, try having a glass of water with your drink and set your limits before you even enter the party. Average calories consumed at a holiday party 2200 calories
Having guests in town does not mean you can't exercise. It is an easy excuse to put your program on hold when your family is in town, but the truth is, most hosts need a "break" from the house to relieve some of the stresses that accompany guests in your home. And there is no better stress relief than a trip to your local gym or training center. Average calorie burn lost due to guests during the holidays 1900 calories
Plan healthy alternatives and keep indulgences to a minimum. When you are cooking, you are in control. Enjoying some of your favorite, no-so-healthy foods is fine as long as they are confined to a day here and there, and when you are preparing the meals, offer guests a healthy alternative: Sweet potatoes without butter and brown sugar, cookies/brownies made with applesauce not sugar, and casseroles and dishes made without heavy creams. If you put your mind to it, you can come up with some great tasting dishes and still make your guests feel like they have had their indulgences. Average calories consumed at Thanksgiving dinner 5500 calories
Stay committed. From my 15 years in the industry, this is probably the number one reason people gain weight during the holidays abandoning their exercise program. I tell everyone, "you may not be consistent, but don't give up exercise!" Parties will happen, guests will visit, you will have family functions, you will have some bouts of over-eating, and inevitably you will miss a workout here and there, but never totally give up your program. Extra calories you can burn, by exercising 3 times per week 1500 calories
It hasn't gotten any easier for us over the years. We used to kick off the holiday season with a Post-Thanksgiving shopping day, but somewhere along the way, the holiday season worked its way back to Halloween the first entrance of "little indulgences" into the household. We have been tempted more often, and one quarter of the year is now spent preparing for this time of year, but if you can follow some of the tips above and pay attention each day you will be successful. Rather than fighting until April to get your body back, imagine what it will be like in January as you set your goals for your Spring/Summer body. Enjoy your holiday season. Grecian Glory: Your Next Greek Villa Holiday Halloween Party Decoration Ideas Christmas Tree Shop | Christmas Tree Uutline Will Miami Suffer Loss in Tourism from the BP Oil Spill? Ideas For That Perfect Gift During This Holiday Season Christmas Tree Background | Christmas Tree Uutline Ukhotels4u – One Stop Destination to Ideal UK Hotels Christmas Tree Ball Ornaments | Christmas Tree Uutline Wonderful Holiday Cottages UK in Cornwall How to make money with travel photography Christmas Tree Ornaments | Christmas Tree Uutline Rolf Harris Prints Tour UK Holiday Shopping For Ipad Cases?