Ahh the holidays. The season of giving can also be called the season of gaining, gaining weight that is.
That's right it's that time of the year again. You know, when you say I am not going to go crazy eating everything in sight. I am going to pass up all of the treats brought into the office. I am going to be sensible at Aunt B's on Thanksgiving and there is no way that I am going to feast on both pumpkin and pecan pie on Christmas day.
This is the time of year that we enjoy many things; family, friends, gifts and more. But come January we often end up paying for it with tighter pants. On average a person can gain almost ten pounds during the holidays. Ouch, that is scary. Even for those of us who live active lifestyles the holidays can be a challenge, but there are ways to get through the holidays without sabotaging a years worth of work. Book Now. One&Only Resorts
Here are some simple tips to help you survive the holidays.
1. Don't miss your workouts: Stay on track even if you are going to be on the road to see relatives get a workout in. If you don't have access to a gym or weights then be your own gym and get a body-weight workout in. Go running, bring a jump rope or pack some resistance bands to take with you. What ever you do, get your workouts in.
2. Drink a lot of water: You know the deal; drink, drink, drink. The more water that you drink the less that you will feel the urge to over indulge. You will also be less likely to over do the alcohol as well.
3. Don't over do the alcohol: Yes it is the time of year for celebrating but keep the alcohol within reasonable limits. Don't over it because you are adding wasted calories and sugars. Alcohol can also stimulate your appetite and you don't want that.
4. Survey the feast before filling your plate: Check out what is being served up and make good choices. Fill up on protein, vegetables & fruits. Yes, I know that you are going to want to sweet stuff but keep it to small amounts.
5. Don't skip your meals: If you are on a 4-6 meal a dinner program don't skip. Even if you are a normal eater, that is three meals a day don't skip. Saying that I am skipping lunch so that I can load up later is not what you want to do.
6. Use a smaller plate: This is a trick that I learned a few years back that was instrumental in helping to change my nutritional lifestyle. By using a smaller plate I still ate what I like but it kept my portions under control.
7. Snack smart: I know that the cakes, cookies, pies and many other great family snacks and traditions are going to be available and hard to pass up. You have to snack smart. Keep snacks small, try sampling instead. Offer to split a piece of pie or spice cake with someone. Enjoy the deserts and treats but do it moderation and be a smart holiday snacker.
8. Keep a log: Yes it can be tedious during the holidays but if you think about having to log something before you eat it then you may think twice about it.
9. If you are going to have a big meal or over do it make that your cheat day.
10. Realize that you are human: Don't go hard on yourself if you have a bad day during the holidays. Just realize that you are human and learn from it.
So there you go, ten quick holiday survival tips. Use them and you will be able to enjoy the holiday season without having to buy new pants to start the new year.
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