Preventing Those Holiday Pounds
It's here
again. Just look at the seasonal shelves in your favorite store. Retailers refer
to this time as the holiday season, but I like to call it the "Weight Gain"
season and it runs straight through New Year's.
The next few weeks will bring plenty of opportunities for you to indulge,
overeat, and expand your waistline. Of course the choice is yours.
Now is the time for you to plan for the weeks ahead. Once the whirlwind of
holiday activities and obligations begins, you'll be too caught up to put a plan
into action.
So in this moment of relative clarity, this calm before the storm, let's outline
a plan that will save you from unwanted holiday pounds.
Put Your Feet to the Fire:
Exercise is the first thing to go
when people get busy, and the holiday season is notorious for deserted gyms.
This year do something drastic-obligate yourself to exercise. Promising to
yourself isn't enough, you need to promise to others so that you won't drop the
ball.
- Commit to working with a fitness expert – the perfect solution for consistent,
challenging and effective workouts. You'll get the attention and assistance
that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever – talk
about motivating!
- Join a class – we've determined that you simply won't be as effective on your own during
the busy holiday season, so joining a class would lend accountability. Stick
with something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated and incorporates
strength training.
- Find a serious exercise buddy – some friends can be the biggest help while others end
up pulling you down. When looking for an exercise buddy choose carefully and
consider the following questions:
- Do they share your fitness goals?
- Are they typically encouraging?
- Do they stick with things?
- Are you at the same fitness level?
- Get your spouse involved – what a great way to spend more time together during this
busy season, and you'll be able to support each other in your shared quest for
fitness. Decide on an exercise activity that you can both enjoy and set a
schedule for your workout dates.
Cut the Treats:
I'm not going to imply that you shouldn't indulge in any seasonal treats, but
think moderation. So often the holidays are used as an excuse to eat to the point of being uncomfortable – would you really miss
that bloated feeling? Decide on a few fattening treats to cut out this year.
- Do you
really need to bring sweets for everyone in the office, especially since you
know that you will end up with the leftovers? How about a fruit basket or
flower arrangement?
- At holiday
parties load your plate first with greens, vegetables and lean meats before
breads and heavier foods. Also drink water with your meal and keep alcoholic
beverages to a minimum.
- Watch what
you drink, most beverages are filled to the brim with calories. Hot drinks
from Starbucks, cocktails at parties and eggnog around a crackling fire-all
very enjoyable and all filled with.
- At no other
time in the year are we faced with so many sweets. To avoid being a Scrooge,
but without adding pounds to your frame, try the one treat rule. Each time
you're in a social situation that involves sweets just eat one, and enjoy your
treat slowly.
If you truly want to enjoy the coming festivities without dealing with added
pounds it is all in your hands. The key is your mindset.
Most people approach the holidays with the mindset that says ‘I deserve to
indulge and I shouldn't have to exercise since it's the holidays.' This is fine
if you don't mind entering 2009 a few pounds heavier, a little less healthy, and
with lower energy than ever before.
I believe that you deserve better. I believe that you should enter 2009 in
better shape than you are today, healthier than you've been in a long time, and
with more energy that you thought possible.
I'm always available to help – call or reply to this email to set up a fitness
and consultation with me and I'll show you how you can see a lot of change over
the next few weeks to come.
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