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Wednesday, December 17, 2008

The Weight of the Holidays...





It's not easy to maintain a moderate weight, much less lose some pounds over the holidays. There are just too many things going on, and also the stress of running around trying to get everything just right for these last celebratory days of the year seems to knock everything out of whack.

Stress eating is at an all time high, and consumption of fast food from food courts and eating on the run is also a big source of extra holiday calories. And last but not least, the fatigue you feel after all the prepping, shopping, wrapping, lighting, tree trimming, decorating and cooking for the big events leaves you not wanting to lift another finger, much less stick to your workout plan as usual.

So, here are a few tips to keep it all in check until the New Year's resolutions kick in:

Tip #1 - Have a plan.
Whether it's for your shopping trip, house decorating, or prepping holiday dinner, create a time line in which you're going to try to get everything done. Make lists of all the things you need to buy, places you need to go, what you need to do, and then arrange everything in a sensible, easy to accomplish order. This will help you keep some structure in the midst of all the chaos.

Tip #2 - Eat BEFORE you go out to shop.
Do not go thee forward into that shopping center or mall on a half empty stomach! Shopping, while not an Olympic sport, DOES burn up a lot of energy, and after you've exhausted yourself a bit at the big sales, you're gonna want to eat, because the body is then demanding some fuel. That's when you get into the food court danger zone. Eating a full meal (be it breakfast, lunch or whichever applicable meal it is) before you hit the stores will help to circumvent the bad, calorie laden, mall food temptations.

Tip #3 - Workout BEFORE you get to that busy part of your day. Even if it means getting up earlier to do it. Even if you can't make it to the gym. You can do a jog around your neighborhood, or just do a quick 30 minute to 45 minute workout at home, with or without a fitness DVD. Don't have one? Turn on Fit TV, or just put some music on and GO TO IT. Make it up as you go along, if you have to. And once again, get the workout in before you do the other stuff. If you wait until later, your energy will probably be depleted, and then you won't do anything. Not good. Get that workout in FIRST.

Tip #4 - Don't use the holidays as an excuse to fall off your regimen and fitness plan.
"Everybody gains weight during the holidays" is NOT an acceptable excuse to slack up! Remain sensible, and while you can't help but to have some fun with holiday parties, goodies, and treats, be sure to balance it out with good healthy eating, and stick to regular workouts, even if you have to vary up the times. If you do go a bit crazy, throw a couple extra workouts in each week to make up for it. What you take out of your own personal fitness bank, you have to be sure to put back in.

And that's basically it! No need for a long list. Just a few good, basic, common sense solutions that will have you looking and feeling your best all the way past the ball drop. And then you won't even have to put "losing the extra pounds I gained during the holidays" on your list of New Year's resolutions. You can just hit the ground running. Not a bad way to go!

Happy Holidays!


You can get more weight loss and fitness tips by The Fitness Diva at http://thefitnessdiva.blogspot.com



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21 comments:

gLoR!e said...

I needed all of these when I lack of timing plan!:)

Have a nice day!:)

Anonymous said...

Tip 4 is much difficult to my yoga teacher.

She always cancel our yoga classes during holiday days. :(

Davida said...

I need to print this list out!

Stick to a plan? I think that is by far my hardest part.

Davida

DebbieDana said...

Hhhmmmmmmm, will try all these tips....Thanks for sharing!!

Happy Holidays!

Anonymous said...

haha... holidays have a,ways been my excuse to eat more than normal...

HEALTH NUT WANNABEE MOM said...

Alright you have me on this-I am so good all year and then the holidays and I am just awful! I will use these so thank you fitness diva!!

Laura said...

You are just so dang good, Fitness Diva! You inspire me always. Thanks for the tips!

Ish said...

I try to follow all this tips this holiday season and i hope my mom will not be disappointed if im not gonna try to eat all food that she prepared for this holiday sorry mom!!!

Anonymous said...

You're such a wonderful teacher, Diva. At this time of the year, most of us need a PLAN for sure.

Suddenly slimmer said...

Yeap can't agree more on your tips there. Especially number 4. Holiday is the best time to kick the gym, because you have more time to exercis.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Terry Marsh said...

I've already stepped up my "after the holidays" cardio workout.

Anonymous said...

Ha, my metabolism is so out of control I can eat all I want and it won't affect me.
Too bad it's so expensive -_-

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the tips! About two years ago I had lost over 20 lbs. but gained them back over Christmas. If only I had followed these tips then...

Simply Elegant Girl said...

Thank for your comment. :) I agree Himalayan Cats are very cute. :) :)I posted some more cats

GLBT Promo said...

Okay,

I hate to say it, but along with exercising five days a week, which includes cardio and weight lifting, I also take an all natural diet supplement. I never thought I would take a supplement, but I have to say it's working with no side effects. I'm 46 and I went through early menopause. I have always been thin until pre-menopause hit - then the thigh and belly weight came. I'm able to lose weight now because I'm out of pre-menopause and the supplements are helping. I have to fit into a bikini in February, but I will make it!

Thanks for the tips!

Anonymous said...

Great tips! The one I will have the most trouble with would be the fourth one. I definitely have an issue with letting the holidays be the excuse for me putting on some pounds.

Anonymous said...

Great tips for perfect health... workout really helps for loosing extra weight! I have tried it and it worked really!

Anonymous said...

Great ideas!

Anonymous said...

an award waiting for you at http://kisahberuang.com/2008/12/22/the-sweetness-of-blogging/

see award #3

Anonymous said...

hi good tips, wish you have a very good day and keep in healthy.

Darwin said...

Wishing you the TIMELESS treasures of the world…

The love of GOD, warmth of HOME, the CARE of FAMILY, and the company of GOOD FRIENDS!

A joyous CHRISTMAS to YOU and your FAMILY.

 
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