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Tips for a Healthy Holiday
Research has shown that those holiday pounds are part of the culprit of the
obesity epidemic. Each year, many people just keep adding a few extra pounds
until one day they wake up significantly overweight. If you're careful though,
one can survive December without taking a hit to your waistline or your blood
pressure.
I know it's hard to resist all those yummy treats and drinks that surround
you this time of year. But with a few simple changes in your diet and exercise
pattern, you can hold steady and not gain any extra weight.
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Practice Conscious Eating Pattern
 Pay
attention to portion sizes, enjoying only a bite or two of those holiday treats.
Don't deprive yourself, otherwise it will only lead to intense cravings, which
can turn into binges. Satisfy your desires with a taste instead of a huge
portion.
Cut down on saturated fat in creamy dressings by mixing in some nonfat or
low-fat plain yogurt. Use non-stick cookware so you can cook with a minimum of
oil or vegetable oil spray. For a wonderful flavor enhancer, sprinkle food with
vinegar or citrus juice. Add it at the last minute so the flavor is at its
strongest. Substitute chopped vegetables for some of the bread in your stuffing
recipe. Boiled shrimp, clams, or any un-fried seafood with cocktail sauce is an
elegant and healthy party pleaser. Eat a little before you go to a holiday
gathering; hunger can undo the best intentions.
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Try to maintain your present Weight
 Holiday
is not the best time for weight loss. It’s important to maintain your physical
activity during the holidays – the American Heart Association recommends 30
minutes or more of exercise most days of the week.
Your goal should be to rock steady at your present weight. It is really tough to
lose weight around the holidays, but if you can simply maintain your current
weight, you are way ahead of the game. If you are among the lucky few who are
actually losing weight in December, kudos to you -- keep up the great work.
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Keep Your Energy Up: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
 Find
physical activities that you enjoy or just squeeze in 10 minutes here and there
to add up to fat-burning exercise. If you want to maintain your weight during
the holidays and be able to enjoy small portions of the seasonal treats, you
have to fit in exercise. While it might seem like a daunting task when you are
really busy, exercise increases your energy and improves your mood. Upon
returning from an invigorating walk, you will be amazed that you actually feel
energized, less stressed, and inspired to be productive.
If you do three 10 minute walks or two 15 minute walks, that
adds up to 30 minutes of exercise for the day.
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15 minute nap can work wonders to help get you going. Many people simply do not
get enough sleep and hit the wall at a certain time during the day. Taking a few
minutes out to rest will leave you feeling refreshed soon after you get up.
Listening to music is another great way to lift your mood and get you going,
especially upbeat kinds of music that you enjoy.
One way to keep stress at a minimum is to lower your expectations about
holidays. Ask for help to lighten your holiday schedule.
Make your plan, stay focused, and keep your resolve not to gain any extra weight
this month.
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