Healthy Holidays

The most wonderful time of the year can also be the worst time of the year for your waistline. Some simple tips that we all need to be reminded of (daily, especially when faced with a smorgasbord of treats) will help you keep that waistline healthy, and those regrets of too much holiday cheer come New Years Day slim to none: 

The best time to change a lifestyle for your summer bikini is not the first of the year! Start now and you won't have to work so hard or have that same New Years Resolution from last year. Time to quit sounding like a broken record!! 

Tip #1: Fill your plate with veggies FIRST! Go for a salad as a starter.

Studies show that eating a salad before a meal lead participants to eat less at the following meal than those who did not eat a salad before their meal. Fill up with the good stuff and you'll leave less room for the sugary, fat or sodium filled indulgences. 

Tip #2: Do NOT skip meals throughout the day before a big holiday feast. 

Skipping meals throughout the day leaves you more prone to overeating later. Our body's can only handle so much nutrients to process at once, and each meals extras will end up as extra fat stores to work off later on. Fill up with a high protein, high fiber breakfast before a lunch gathering such as an egg and spinach omelet or oatmeal with fresh berries and a glass of milk. Before a dinner affair, try a sandwich made with whole wheat bread, guacamole or hummus spread, veggies and lunch meat for a filling lunch. The key is to eat wholesome meals throughout the day, and let yourself get moderately hungry instead of starving before going to a food filled party. You'll be able to have your cake and eat it too!

Tip #3: Avoid overeating and overdrinking!

Let's face it, our eyes are always bigger than our stomach. Especially when you're staring down a table full of grandma's freshly baked goods. Try using a smaller plate, and get small portions of everything so you can try it all, without overeating. 

Another way to prevent overeating is splitting desserts. Grab a sampler plate and share it with your sister or significant other. You'll be spreading holiday cheer and cutting calories in half!

Drinking is another way to pack on the pounds without realizing. Alcohol and sugary drinks DO count as much as we wish they wouldn't. Try drinking water in between glasses of wine. It'll save you pounds and possible holiday embarrassment ;)

Tip #4: Include Physical Activity Daily!

On Thanksgiving, my family always takes a long afternoon walk before we come back and watch the football game. It gives us a way to bond, enjoy the cool crisp autumn air, and walk off that food baby we just made. Plus sitting around the tv watching football may be bonding, but getting outside and away from technology sure is a more refreshing and enjoyable way to bond, and we actually get to talk more than we would sitting around the living room!  

Set a goal. My goal is to run at least 30 min every other day, and add in squats, push ups, and sit ups on alternating days when I'm not running. Keeping a calendar or reminder in your phone to get up and engage in physical activity every morning can help! 

The main goal here is maintain a healthy weight over the holidays. Keep these tips in mind and you'll be able to enjoy time with family and friends without the added guilt, and the upset tummy!


-Lo