Image: Stuart Miles / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Christmas is just around the corner, and you know what that means: the holiday season, and for some, holiday weight gain. A lot of numbers are thrown around with regard to how much weight people actually gain. The truth is, the “average” person gains about two to three kilograms during the weeks between Christmas ( Nov / Dec parties) and New Year’s Day.
You might be thinking, “That’s not a lot of weight,” but the trouble is not the weight gain, it’s the weight loss, or lack thereof. The fact is most people don’t lose that weight come January. Instead, it adds up year after year, and “suddenly” you’re heavier, a term researchers call “creeping obesity.”
This year, rather than waiting until 2012 to try to get back on track, why not stay on track through the end of 2011 with these seven tips from nutritionist Christopher R. Mohr. They are a sure fired way to help you avoid dreaded holiday weight gain throughout the holiday season..... and beyond!
❄Make sure you get your exercise in first thing in the morning. During the holidays, you’re going to eat (and probably drink) more calories than usual, so making time for exercise is a must. Think of it like a checkbook that needs to be balanced; don’t go crazy and promise you’ll be more responsible in January.
❄Go for a walk, post meal. After you do the dishes, fight the urge to just collapse on the sofa. Instead, give your metabolism a little boost with some movement and fresh air. Use this holiday time to experiment with a few type of fitness class. Try yoga, pilates, spinning, or simply rejuvinate the mind and body with a long walk along the beach.
❄If you’re preparing the meal, try some slightly healthier alternatives. While you don’t need to revamp the menu to tofu and wheat grass, there are some simple strategies that will go undetected by even the finest of palates. Things like using half the butter and sugar a recipe calls for, and switching from full fat milk to chicken stock for mashed potatoes. Trust me; your guests won’t even blink an eye!
❄Don’t hover over the buffet table. You will eat more when an entire table of food is beckoning. Pick your options, put them on your plate and then step away from the buffet table.
❄Pick your favorite foods and enjoy small portions of them. Focus on foods that are a bit more unique, the ones you may only have once a year and enjoy them (in moderation, of course).
❄Give away any leftovers. Don’t keeping those delicious leftovers around just in case. Do yourself a favor and send each guest home with a care package of leftovers.
❄Get right back on track that evening or the next morning; depending on the time you eat dinner. One meal will never make or break you. Throwing your arms up in the air and claiming defeat will.
❄Remember that Christmas and New Year are really just two days! If you follow these tips, it will be smooth sailing from here to 2012, and your skinny jeans will be waiting to greet you on the other side. Bon appetite!
❄New Year's Resolutions -
If you overdo it these holidays, set a firm New Year date to get back on track, as well as some well defined fitness goals. By setting these you can forget about your indulgences and focus on becoming healthy,happy,fit and fabulous in 2012.
MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR.
I hope your Christmas is filled with fitness, love, light and peace.
Marg Anderson
