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Published on Tuesday, 20 November 2012 10:06
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Written by Lisa Lorraine Taylor
Survival Tips for the Holidays
Hi RX Girl Family
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With Thanksgiving ONLY 3 DAYS AWAY (ok…it’s really 2, but you know what I mean)! Now that we’re in full swing of the holiday season, the goal is how to keep all those extra pounds off. With so many yummy temptations and for many of you extra, EXTRA Stress, the holidays can present some unique challenges. We all want to enjoy spending quality time with family and friends, but it can be difficult to maintain your healthy habits.
Between office parties, social functions and get together this can cause a great deal of pressure to enjoy the holiday but stay on track with our health, fitness and nutrition goals. It’s estimated that the average American puts on an average of 6-10 pounds from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, and unfortunately this extra weight and fat, usually doesn’t disappear quite as quickly as it came and does tend to add up each year unless we take steps to counter this trend. Taylor Made Fitness wants to help you survive the holiday season is to share fresh ideas and strategies for maintaining weight in the face of such temptations. Here are some practical ideas for enjoying favorite holiday foods without packing on the pounds.
Survival Tips for the Holidays
Parties are an enjoyable way to celebrate the season, but party-goers can find their resolve weakening in the face of bountiful and calorie-laden food spreads. The good news is nutrition experts agree that all holiday foods can easily fit into a healthy diet—if eaten in moderation.
1. Keep your Regular Workout Schedule
While the holidays can be hectic, it is important to get in your workouts. If you’re pressed for time, break up your 60-minute workout by doing two (2) 30-minute workouts. Not getting in your cardio? If you’re at the mall, before shopping, power-walk in the mall, or if you’re in a safe area, walk/jog around the parking parameters. At work? Lace up those cross-trainers for a quick No-Guilt Workout by:
Running or Walking up and down several flights of stairs
Push-ups (2 minutes)
Lunges (forward, reverse, side) on the stairs (2 minutes each leg)
Tricep Dips (1-2 minutes)
Mountain climbers (2 minutes or 60 each)
Burpees (10-20)
2. Take in the View
Before leaving the house, have a plan of action. Remember you don’t have to eat everything because it’s the holidays. Before making your plate, take a quick look at the foods being served to help you make better choices.
3. Enjoy the Moment
Remember the holidays are not about how much food and/or drinks you can put away; it’s about the capturing the fun moments with family and friends. Meeting new people and of course wonderful conversations. Eat slowly and savor the moments, putting a wide space between you and the food. This will help you from mindless eating and you’ll get in a little workout walking back and forth to get seconds. at least you have to burn calories to get back to the table.
4. Be Selective and Practice Portion Control
The bigger the plate, the more people tend to eat! Remember to journal your foods BEFORE eating! This will help you stay on track and think about the foods that you’re about to eat.
5. Fuel Up Frequently
Never leave the house hungry! Grab a quick 150- to 200-calorie snack, preferably a combination of high fiber and protein to stabilize blood sugar and assuage the appetite. Carry power snacks, such as nuts and dried fruit, with you while shopping or running errands. And always drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day and night.
-Cheers and Have a Wonderful Thanksgiving!
Fitfully yours,
Lisa
Lisa Lorraine Taylor, B.S. Holistic Nutrition, ACE, AFAA, FITOUR, Owner of Taylor Made Fitness in Ocean Beach/San Diego, CA. Lisa’s a Certified Personal Trainer, Nutritionist, Lifestyle Weight Management Consultant, Fitness Practitioner, CE Provider and Certification Presenter. Offering Personal Training Online, Gym, Outdoors & Nutrition programs. 619.987.9691 cell/text * [email protected]
