The countdown has begun. The clock is ticking, and before you know it, New Year's Day will be here and so will all those annual lose-weight resolutions. Wouldn't it be nice not to find yourself five pounds heavier when they drop the silver ball? 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.
Defy the Odds
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 eating and drinking patterns, you can hold steady and not gain any extra weight. That's right, the goal is 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.
Halting any weight gain means planning ahead. 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.
Becoming more self-aware of your eating habits is very helpful in combating bad habits. Keep up with your journal and record everything you eat -- the act of recording your food takes on the role of your conscience and helps keep you in line. Weighing yourself once a week will also let you know if you are succeeding with your efforts.
From Naughty to Nice
When faced with temptations, choosing the lighter, healthier options can add to up to big savings. Look for simply prepared foods that are not smothered with heavy sauces. Boiled shrimp, clams, or any un-fried seafood with cocktail sauce is an elegant and healthy party pleaser. Fresh fruit and veggies with a light dip are healthy choices on the hors d'oeuvre table. How about hot chocolate made with skim milk instead of eggnog? Choosing pumpkin instead of pecan pie and leaving the crust is a delicious and lighter means of satisfying your sweet tooth. Dip into salsa or low-fat yogurt rather than sour cream or high-fat cream cheese spreads.
Keep Your Energy Up: Exercise, Exercise, Exercise
You don't have to wait until Jan. 1 to tackle your fitness resolutions. Getting a jump on your fitness goals will help you thwart the holiday gain, reduce stress, and pay you back with increased energy. Find physical activities that you enjoy or just squeeze in 10 minutes here and there to add up to fat-burning exercise.
Who has time to exercise? The real question is who has time not to 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.
You've heard it before: Take the stairs instead of holding up the wall in the elevator, park the car in the outer reaches of the parking lot, or wear your pedometer and shoot for 10,000 steps each day. To combat the potential holiday weight creep, consider adding a few extra minutes onto your regular fitness routine.
Recharge Your Batteries
A 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.
Now the rest is up to you. Make your plan, stay focused, and keep your resolve not to gain any extra weight this month.
