As the holidays approach, a frequent
question from my clients and subscribers
is "How can I avoid gaining
weight during the holidays"? Their
concern is legitimate. The average American
adult gains seven pounds of fat between
Thanksgiving and New Years Day. However,
with a little know-how and effort you don't
have to be "average". In fact, I've seen
many people actually lose a few pounds
over the holidays and feel great
while doing it.
One of my
clients said it best, "Greg, I can't tell
you how good it feels to have lost three pounds
during the holidays instead of gaining ten
pounds as I used to do. My friends are jealous.
It's January 2nd and I'm feeling (and looking)
lean and mean. And, best of all, I actually
enjoyed the holidays more because I always
felt energetic. In years past, inactivity and
lots of food made me constantly sluggish and
tired." Here are a few
tips that can bring you into the new
year without any new pounds...
1. Do some
type of exercise everyday. Now this can be as simple
as a 15 minute walk some days
but it's VERY important that
you do something everyday. Physiologically,
this keeps your metabolism elevated,
helps to control your appetite,
and ENERGIZES you!
2. Don't
deprive yourself of those holiday goodies
that you enjoy. Tell yourself that you can
eat whatever you'd like to as long as it's
in moderation. For example, eat one
Christmas brownie instead of
five. Take small bites of that
brownie, chew it well, savor every bite so
you can really enjoy the taste rather than
rushing to swallow it.
3. Have lots
of "healthy" foods available at your
home during the holidays. Make a big fruit
salad to keep in the frig when you need a
snack. Have some of your favorite veggies ready
to eat for when you're hungry. Make a big
salad and keep it ready to eat in the refrigerator.
4. Don't
allow yourself to get too hungry. The hungrier
you are, the less control you have over
your eating. Always eat some healthy, filling
food before going to a party, dinner,
or any situation where you will be exposed
to lots of tempting food.
5. Exercise
and visit with friends and family that
you're spending time with during the holidays.
Take a walk or go to the gym together. It's
a great time of fellowship and activity.
6. Take a
walk after those delicious meals - to burn
off some of those calories, elevate your metabolism,
and restore your energy.
So, get energized
with some daily exercise and moderate
food consumption, and REALLY enjoy the
holidays.. AND January 2.
