We have entered one of the busiest times of the year for most people. It is full of parties and hurried meals on the go as we rush to get our shopping done, trees up, cards sent and a million other things. It is very easy to simply say "I'll worry about it after the first of the year" when it comes to diet and exercise. Don't do it!
While there is less time and much more temptation this time of year, it is a mistake to stop exercising and eat whatever you want for an entire month. This leads to a national average of 8 lbs of weight gain. That is a lot to saddle yourself with for January. My suggestion, use some restraint and keep it down to 2 or 3 lbs, a much easier amount to take off after the new year. It also keeps you in the habit, which will make it easier to get back in the swing of things once your schedule calms down. Here are a few suggestions:
1. Pack healthy snacks for Christmas shopping to avoid grabbing junk food at the mall. Stay away from the fancy coffee drinks, too. If you need a "pick-me-up" stick to plain coffee or tea with a low fat milk.
2. Plan your week to include at least 3 twenty minute workouts. If you can't get to the gym or do your normal workout, you can shorten your workouts to stay active and burn calories. There are a lot of great 20 minute or even 10 minute workout programs out there. Some of which are even available for Netflix downloads. Don't skip!
3. Eat healthy meals when you are home. If you are going to be "bad" all weekend, try to be "good" all week. Then, you can stockpile calories for the parties and not gain.
4. Get your rest. Sleep deprivation causes you to lose focus and causes your body to gain weight.
You can make it through the holiday season without a large weight gain, and you can do it without dieting the whole time. It is easier than you think. The key is to not completely deprive yourself but also to not eat everything that looks good. Be choosy with your treats. You will thank yourself later!
Monday, December 5, 2011
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