The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and fellowship. So why do so many of us dread it? One of the most common reasons is those extra holiday pounds. Well guess what - you don't have to gain weight this Christmas. Stay healthy and still enjoy the holidays by following a few simple guidelines.
First, the big one, over-indulgence. To many, that is what's important about the holiday season. And it may sound tempting but you don't have to buy in and get swept away to have a good time. The simplest way to avoid over eating is to eat slower. Eating your food slowly allows your body to trigger it's "I'm full" feeling before you get too full. Plus, your well chewed fare will digest much easier giving you less discomfort. Also, make smart decisions about what you intake. If you can't say no to thirds on your stepmother's fruitcake (really?) cut out some of the alcohol. Both are loaded with sugars and empty carbs. Basically, realize that you can't just pack it all in and expect not to suffer some.
In addition to regulating intake, think about burning away some of the extra calories. If you're already working out, don't stop now! If you aren't, don't wait until you're staring down a New Year's resolution that you wish you hadn't gotten yourself into. Start a workout routine that you can stick with. You don't need to get a membership at the gym to stay fit. Walking a few times a week for thirty minutes or doing simple calisthenics at home will burn fat and increase your metabolism.
Lastly, just be mindful of your goal and integrate it into your everyday life. Things are hectic around the holidays but you don't need to stress about gaining weight. Thinking of little ways to achieve your goal everyday will go a long way. Tired of driving around the parking lot at the mall looking for a good spot? Go straight to the back. Take the time to walk the extra distance. Besides, you'll probably still get to the store sooner than you would driving around looking for that magic spot.
Everybody loves the holidays, but too often we let those extra pounds dampen the spirit and joy spent with friends and family. With a little planning and forethought, however, we can still have all the fun and stay fit. Watching your intake and staying active will keep that holiday weight off and have you feeling ready to take on the New Year.
First, the big one, over-indulgence. To many, that is what's important about the holiday season. And it may sound tempting but you don't have to buy in and get swept away to have a good time. The simplest way to avoid over eating is to eat slower. Eating your food slowly allows your body to trigger it's "I'm full" feeling before you get too full. Plus, your well chewed fare will digest much easier giving you less discomfort. Also, make smart decisions about what you intake. If you can't say no to thirds on your stepmother's fruitcake (really?) cut out some of the alcohol. Both are loaded with sugars and empty carbs. Basically, realize that you can't just pack it all in and expect not to suffer some.
In addition to regulating intake, think about burning away some of the extra calories. If you're already working out, don't stop now! If you aren't, don't wait until you're staring down a New Year's resolution that you wish you hadn't gotten yourself into. Start a workout routine that you can stick with. You don't need to get a membership at the gym to stay fit. Walking a few times a week for thirty minutes or doing simple calisthenics at home will burn fat and increase your metabolism.
Lastly, just be mindful of your goal and integrate it into your everyday life. Things are hectic around the holidays but you don't need to stress about gaining weight. Thinking of little ways to achieve your goal everyday will go a long way. Tired of driving around the parking lot at the mall looking for a good spot? Go straight to the back. Take the time to walk the extra distance. Besides, you'll probably still get to the store sooner than you would driving around looking for that magic spot.
Everybody loves the holidays, but too often we let those extra pounds dampen the spirit and joy spent with friends and family. With a little planning and forethought, however, we can still have all the fun and stay fit. Watching your intake and staying active will keep that holiday weight off and have you feeling ready to take on the New Year.