The holiday season is without a doubt a time for celebration. Unfortunately, the average adult does a little too much celebrating during this time of year, which leads to extra baggage when the New Year arrives. Festivities that include indulging in extra helpings, snacking on seasonal treats, and little or no exercise contribute to the increase in dieters in January.
Even though this time of year may bring additional stresses and challenges, there are ways to find balance and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Although at times it may seem impossible to bypass the season's traditional foods, there are many ways to partake in the fun without increasing your size. The festivities don't have to be eliminated or avoided. You can have a fun time while also maintaining your weight and your fitness regimen.
Moderation is the word. It's the secret to achieving a fun but also healthy time. With a moderate approach both to what you eat (or don't eat) and how much exercise you do (or don't do), you can avoid packing on weight AND also partake in all the fun of this time of year. So this season, get a head start on the New Year's resolution instead of starting January with extra weight to lose.
Here are some tips to help you during the festive season.
Plan ahead of time. Create a plan for incorporating fitness and good nutritioninto your daily routine.
Don't put your fitness goals on hold until the New Year. If you can't exercise as often during this time period as you normally do, adjust appropriately. Don't use the excuse that since you don't have time for your full workout you just won't workout at all. Instead accept the time you do have and reduce the frequency and/or duration of your exercise. It's much better to cut your fitness time in half than to completely eliminate it.
-- When attending a function, try to eat ahead of time to lessen your hunger. If the party is in the evening, eat breakfast, lunch and a snack before hand (just as you would on any other day). Since you have eaten meals earlier in the day, you'll be less tempted to go overboard and eat everything in sight. However, if you instead starve all day long attempting to "save up" all your calories for the party, you will be so famished by the time it begins and it will be difficult not to overeat.
Plan your workouts and set aside time to do them. Think of them as important as any other appointment or event you have marked on your calendar.
At holiday dinners, skip the gravy, dressings, and high-calorie sauces.
On days that you really lack motivation or simply do not have time for your complete exercise routine, commit to do just 10 minutes of exercise. You'll probably end up doing more than that once you get started. Even if you only end up completing 10 minutes, that is still a lot better than zero minutes.
When at a party, look out for healthy food options rather than doing a grab and run on all the unhealthy selections. For example, vegetable sticks (without dip), fruit pieces, plain chicken pieces, etc. Then move on to some of the less healthy (but yummy) offerings. You will be less likely to overindulge on these foods if you have already filled-up on some of the healthier items. And, you won't feel deprived
Avoid wasting calories on alcoholic beverages. The average alcoholic drink contains 150-200 calories per glass. Indulge in just 2-3 drinks and you've drunk the equivalent calories of an entire meal. If you do indulge choose wisely. For example, instead of having a full glass of wine, try a spritzer. (half a glass of wine with sparkling water or soda.) This will help cut your calories in half.
Don't linger too long at the buffet table. You'll struggle to keep yourself from unconsciously shoveling food into your mouth.
Focus on socializing. Spending time with friends and family. Indulge in conversation and dancing rather than dessert.
Hopefully these tips will help you find a balance between staying fit and also enjoying the fun of the season. Remember, moderation is the key.
Happy holidays, and have fun.
To your great health
Joyce Hearn
No comments:
Post a Comment