5 easy Tips to Triumph over Turkey Day and keep your waistline in line throughout the Holiday Season..
- You don’t have to pass on your favorite dishes but you must limit the amount you do take. If you can’t go with out Grandma’s stuffing then skip the 4 dinner rolls you normally eat. Don’t ignore your cravings! Giving your body a little of what it wants is better then withholding until you give in and then binging by eating more than you can chew and more than your belt will hold. If you moderate your portions wisely you can enjoy all of your favorite Holiday dishes (without the guilt afterwards).
- Skip the “I will save myself until the BIG meal” Lie. If you tell yourself you are being “good” by not eating all day until the big meal, you are actually making it much worse for yourself. You will end up feeling so starved that you will overeat, and all portions and moderation will be out the window. Instead, try eating a good breakfast with protein and a light lunch like veggies and salad. You’ll feel much better and be able to enjoy all of the goodies without losing control.
- Make like a Reindeer and Prance – Stay moving and active. Find little ways to work some extra exercise into your schedule. Park farther away from the grocery store, dance to Christmas music while cleaning the house, or wrap presents standing up – all fun ways to enjoy the Holiday season while getting a little extra exercise. Another great way to get into the spirit of exercise is by planning a trip to the mall with a close buddy. You can walk up and down enjoying the stores holiday decorations and getting in the cheer of things. You will hardly notice the workout. Don’t forget to skip on the escalator and use the stairs!
- Avoid too much Christmas “Spirit”. Wines, Beer and Booze all help add to bulge. Think the term “beer belly”. And with more family and friend get togethers, chances are your cup will runneth over. Avoid this for 2 reasons -
- Drinking adds tons of empty calories you will already be getting from Aunt Martha’s Apple Pies and Mom’s Sweet Potatoes and Marshmallows. Save your calories for the food.
- Over-drinking also kills your determination (think “binge eating”) and ruins your inhibitions to say “no” to that 3rd helping of dessert.
- The Mind Has It – Have a Plan! And stick to it! But if you don’t- Don’t beat yourself up. The plan can be revised as you go throughout the Holiday months but the important thing is to have one. If you have no plan, it’s easier for the weight to catch up to you and the lazy attitude of no diet and exercise will be harder to kick in the New Year. Instead, practice healthy habits throughout the Holiday season. Having a plan will keep you focused, whether it’s keeping a food journal or scheduling a daily walk around the block with the dog. Put it on your fridge to serve as a continual reminder.
