WHY WAIT UNTIL NEW YEAR’S TO GET FIT?
Too many people use the excuse of New Year’s Resolutions to start exercising and eating healthy in the New Year (future) to justify going off the deep end and eating whatever it is they want during the holidays. This often leads to unhealthy weight gain that remains with us and tends to add up after New Year’s Resolution are forgotten by Jan 7! (hee hee) Isn’t that the cycle? Eventually, you will lose a few of the holiday pounds, but a few will stay too – which then leads to 3-5 pounds weight gain per year……hmmmmm
So! What I generally suggest is to resolve to start your New Year’s resolution EARLY – hit the gym hard, watch the food you eat closely, so when you do indulge at holiday parties – like we all do – the damage won’t be as bad.
Here are some tips to help you through this challenging festive time of year!
• Most important – Do not resolve to gain weight this holiday season!
o Do not allow yourself to overindulge regularly with the thought that you will enter onto a health and wellness plan come January 1 – when it is all over!!! Food, alcohol, sugar, it is all addicting!! To eat without limit, you will set yourself up for weight gain, lethargy, low self esteem and worse depression after the New Year. Try getting up and adding a hour of exercise to your daily activities while feeling like that!!! Yeah right! So start now and avoid those feelings……
• Be realistic!!!
o Eat sensible and understand while you may have a tendency to eat more sweets and treats than usual during the holiday season, use some discretion and self control. Really – you will thank yourself the next morning and January 2!
• Don’t go Hungry! Eat a sensible meal before your party or gathering. I typically choose a nice big bowl of fresh steamed veggies or a large apple and a big bottle of water.
o Try to arrive at parties with a full stomach; while this typically goes against the popular trend of starving yourself before a party – keep in mind that starvation leads to insanity and an insatiable hunger. Insatiable hunger – drives willpower and common sense right out the door; this is how most people gain weight! If you are full, you will have the mental strength to make better food choices and will have a tendency to eat less, rather than overindulging. If you have a full stomach your judgment will be more clear and your ability to exercise willpower is maximized. Then, you can then properly select and limit the treats you do decide to have.
• Bring a healthy dish to share; this is one of my favorite tips to avoiding holiday and party weight gain!
o A hostess is always grateful for thoughtful additions to a menu! My favorite healthy dish I bring to parties is Mom’s fresh Ricotta with fresh fruits. The recipe is in this Blog! It ensures I have a good, high protein, low fat, clean dessert – which tends to be my downfall at gatherings.
Mom’s Magical Fruit and Cheese
1 Quart Lowfat Ricotta Cheese
3 Tablespoons honey
1 teaspoon vanilla
Put all ingredients in a bowl and using an electric mixer, mix the ingredients for about 10 minutes until fluffy creamy texture.
Serve about 1/2 cup with chopped fruit of your choice. Berries, and cantaloupe are what we had this weekend! Enjoy!!!
• Try not to drink your calories and limit your alcohol intake.
o As you all know – weight gain boils down to this simple equation – CALORIES IN – CALORIES OUT. With that in mind – why would you waste calories on a drink?
o Yes – wine has calories, but not too many – here is the issue I have with too much wine…..it takes your judgment away! 2 glasses of wine – will cloud your judgment in making other proper food choices. So if you have an alcoholic drink, please be sure it is lower in calories, and please be sure to limit your consumption of the alcohol so as not to lose your judgment when making food choices.
o Your best bet is to avoid alcohol and calorie laden drinks (like eggnog) altogether, and stick with sparkling water. Want to snaz it up? Try sparkling water with a splash of cranberry juice and lemon or lime. Looks like a sexy cocktail and tastes great too!
• Go for the fresh fruits and veggies.
o These are always the best choice when it comes to calories, fat and nutrients. When filling up your plate, the more fresh fruit and veggies you eat, the less room you will have to eat calorie / fat laden foods. I hate to label any food as bad – and I hate the act of avoiding certain foods altogether, so I always advise my clients – go for the foods containing the nutrients your body NEEDS and the other foods later…..
• Make exercise a priority, and do it first thing in the morning!
o I know time is tight! BUT schedule your exercise in each day! Studies show that people who exercise first thing in the morning have a much better success rate at sticking with fitness programs than those who workout in the afternoon or after work. You may actually enter the New Year ahead of the game – already with weight loss and fitness gains!
• Wear form fitting clothes!
o This will ensure you keep yourself in check. When you pants get tight, and you become uncomfortable, let that be a warning, you have had enough to eat. Form fitting clothes are great silent reminders health conscious goals and a great way to ensure your holiday weight gain is minimized!
• Enjoy the holidays – and the treats, parties, friends and family!
o Don’t sweat the small stuff! Ok- maybe you went over board at a gathering….no big deal. Move on, workout and forge ahead! I always say- treat yourself like you would your best friend! Be forgiving and encouraging! This is a time to be happy and to celebrate the gifts of life and to share with others less fortunate. Keep the true meaning behind the holidays ……
There you have it! My tips to avoid weight gain during the holidays and always!
Now – what about the 2010 Resolutions???? NEW YEAR NEW YOU! Why not make 2010 the year that you transform your body? Your Life? It is possible – you simply have to make the decision – make a commitment and go for it!
Want to relieve stress? Improve your health? Increase your energy?
Call me to arrange for Phone Coaching so we can discuss the steps you need to take to start and stay on track with a fitness and wellness plan! My programs are designed to quickly and efficiently get you into the best shape of your life.
Lots of new things going on for 2010! New MP3 / Audio Workouts, New 4 week fitness programs, New changes to the Virtual Boot Camp, I Phone Applications and more!!! Stay tuned!
As always,
Stay focused until the Miracle Happens!
To Your Success and Health,
Becky
