Eat, Drink and Be Healthy!
It’s December 1, 2015, the holiday fun has just begun…Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s Eve are right in front of us and everyone knows what that means…WEIGHT GAIN! It doesn’t have to be that way. An expression my sister Trish often says is, “You are in the driver’s seat.” She is right. Each one of us controls what goes in our mouths and therefore what goes into our bodies. Be strong folks!
When I was a teenager my cousin and I would not eat one thing all Christmas Day and then gorge ourselves on the ice cream pie that my Aunt made. How gross and out of control is that? Where were our parents? That’s another story. Lol
For many people gaining 5-10 lbs from now until right after New Year’s is extremely common. It’s normal. Don’t let it be, don’t be like the average person. In Mid-December 1993, 23 years old I was ready to get in shape and start focusing on my health and wellness. I had just spent 8 months taking care of my Mom that had lung Cancer. After she passed away I was in a deep depression. I didn't care what I ate. I was just trying to get through each day. With my sister's suggestion (Thank God for Trish) I hired a personal trainer. He changed my life! My trainer would say to me, “Don’t be average.” It made sense to me. I wanted to be different, feel great and take care of my body so I did. I made it through that December without gaining any weight, I stayed on track with food and exercise and after the New Year I felt amazing and was so incredibly proud of my accomplishments. You can be too.
Here are a 10 simple tips that help me keep weight off during the holiday Season:
1. Plan your food EVERY week, everyday, bring it to work! Eat regular meals, do not skip meals. It is too tempting when you go into your office lunch room(and your STARVING) and see a plate of home-made chocolate chip cookies. Don’t eat it. Eat the food you brought. PREVENTION is key.
2. Know in your mind for the next 31days you are maintaining your weight and fitness. Be realistic don’t try to lose weight right now, win a competition, win a road race, lose 5% body fat etc. That can wait till Jan 1, 2016! You CAN focus on eating cleaner at parties.
3. Increase your exercise, get your workouts in. This is crucial. Get up earlier, workout at lunch…whatever it takes! No excuses. You must move your body and sweat.
4. Eat a healthy snack before a holiday dinner so you do not eat too much once you get there.
5. Research healthy recipes. Bring a healthy chicken dish to a party, a paleo dessert. People will LOVE it. Trust me when I say, people will be envious of you and want to do what you are doing.
6. Sleep well. Every adult needs no less than 7 hours per night. If your schedule allows it take a 20- minute nap before the kids come home. I do it 3x a week at least! I LOVE my sleep.
7. Drink water. If you drink water before a meal, you will feel less hungry.
8. Don’t deprive yourself. Portions..portions..portions! Listen to your stomach..STOP eating when you are satisfied, in ten minutes you will be full.
9. If you get off track one day, get right back on the next day. Do not beat yourself up.
10. Surround yourself with like minded people..family and friends that support your healthy lifestyle.
YOU CAN DO IT!! I KNOW YOU CAN.
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Happy Holidays!
