The holiday season is in full swing and we all know what that means. Of course, there are the gifts and special time with family and friends, but there is also lots of food!
Cookies, cakes, chips and dips, and let’s not forget the drinks!
The average American adult gains between 5-10lbs. from Thanksgiving to New Year’s!
I have spent some time reading articles on ways to enjoy your Holidays
and all the treats that go with it, without “busting” your health efforts.
I want to share some of the most helpful tips with you,
hoping it will assist you stay on track!
- Most people have a little extra time available over the holiday season when they are not at work. Take this opportunity to develop a regular exercise regime. This will help to burn off the excess calories and fat consumed over this period. It will also get you into the habit of exercising, and you can continue the regime after the holiday season is over. (www.betterhealthusa.com)
**Strength Bootcamps and personal training are a great way to get your exercise in! Many campers came out for a bonus Bootcamp on Thanksgiving morning and it was a great way to offset the extra calories and a great start to the day!**
- Don’t skip meals: Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge. (www.cpmc.org) Enjoying a small snack of nuts, string cheese and a few whole grain crackers will mean you’re arriving at the party satisfied already, not starving. The holiday buffet has so many food and drink options that if you go in hungry, you’re doomed. (www.huffingtonpost.com)
- Portion Control:Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy. (www.cpmc.org)
- Keep Liquid Calories in Check:Eggnog—the famously fatty beverage of the holidays—has a whopping 343 calories and 11 grams of saturated fat per cup, according to Nutrition Data’s analysis. Get the flavor of the season with a shot glass–size serving of nog, then stick to water, drinks made with seltzer, and wine. A five-ounce glass of red wine has only 125 calories. Not sure what five ounces looks like? “Before a party, measure out five ounces of water and pour it into a wineglass just to remind yourself what a ‘serving’ looks like,” says Adcock. (www.epicurious.com)
5. Bring Mints or Gum to Parties:
Once you’ve had your fill of the food at a party, pop a piece of gum or a mint in your mouth. You won’t be as tempted to nosh—plus, your breath will be fresher than anyone else’s. (www.epicurious.com)
- Maintain perspective: Overeating one day won’t make or break your eating plan. And it certainly won’t make you gain weight! It takes many days of overeating to gain weight. If you over-indulge at a holiday meal, put it behind you. Return to your usual eating plan the next day without guilt or despair. (www.snac.ucla.edu)