LOW FAT CHRISTMAS?
How to keep healthy and fit during the Holidays

We’re all familiar with the common holiday temptations that can derail even the most committed exercise and healthy eating plans. Afternoon treats at the office, big family dinners and holiday parties are all situations in which it’s easy to forget how to make healthy choices. This year, follow these tips to avoid the holiday weight gain while still enjoying the festive season.

1. Mindset is everything! What do you think of first when you think of the holidays? Family and friends come to mind, but yummy (and often fattening) holiday foods follow close behind. ENJOY the holidays; don’t “survive” the holidays. Don’t make this a time to be too rigid concerning dietary restrictions. Keep an eye on the “big picture” and try to balance physical activity and eating patterns over several days. There will be inevitable times when you dive into high-cal treats…don’t beat yourself up. Plan ahead to splurge and adjust your diet and exercise accordingly. Keep a flexible mindset and remember that moderation is the key to an enjoyable and healthy holiday season.

2. Stick to your regular routine! During the holiday, we’re all extra busy…shopping, get-togethers and other holiday activities can make it difficult to maintain our regular exercise program. Putting the effort into keeping your exercise commitments to yourself has several benefits such as decreasing stress and allowing you to consume more calories without the worry of holiday weight gain. Schedule your workouts just like any other commitment and make your healthy a priority.

3. Choose wisely! At holiday parties, everything can look temptingly delicious. Before grabbing a plate and loading up, have a good look at all the offerings and give some thought to where your “calorie budget” will be spent most wisely. Be careful not to fill up with unconscious nibbling before the “main event” and…more importantly…dessert! Pass by treats that are common all year long (e.g. cheese) and go for seasonal specialties like eggnog and shortbread cookies.

4. Go easy on the alcohol! Tis’ the season to eat, drink and be merry, but alcoholic drinks are often sources of empty calories that go down too easily. An average serving contains 150 or more calories, which can quickly add up at get-togethers. Alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic ones like sparkling water. Keeping hydrated is also important when drinking, so make sure to keep some water handy, too. Enjoy the season and drink (and drive) responsibly.

5. Forget “banking” calories! Many of us try to “save” calories throughout the day before a big dinner or evening celebration. This almost always backfires because you’re so hungry by the time the event starts; you eat all the calories that you missed and then some. Eat the way you normally would (starting with a healthy breakfast, of course!) and spread your caloric intake throughout the day. Have a small healthy snack before heading out the door so you’re not starving when you arrive to prevent over-consuming high-calorie foods.

Did last year’s holidays undo three months of hard work? Decide that this year, you’ll eat healthfully, keep up your exercise program and treat yourself to appropriate “splurges”. You are in control of what you do…start with a healthy, positive attitude and plan your holiday strategies accordingly. Have a merry holiday season and we’ll see you in the New Year!