Friends - Whether
it’s one, three, seven or ten pounds, experience says that most of us will gain
weight between now and New Year’s Day UNLESS WE HAVE AN INTENTION AND
PLAN OF ACTION.
http://bit.ly/IzwAnk
http://bit.ly/IzwAnk
In the tradition of giving, I'm offering you a very special
gift: the 10 ways to avoid holiday weight gain. PAY SPECIAL
ATTENTION TO #5 STAY ACTIVE and #10 GET
SUPPORT.
- Keep
your eye on the prize…a slimmer you! Mindful snacking is one way to
weigh less without stress. Mindless snacking will prevent the
weight loss you’re working so hard to accomplish.
- Imbibe
with caution. Alcohol accomplishes two negatives: extra calories
without nutrition, and a relaxing of inhibitions. You need all your
willpower to resist the cheese dips and fried snacks, so staying sober is
a good strategy. Check out these diet-friendly alcohol choices for
more tips.
- Don't
go wild. Hey, it’s a party! So it is. Enjoy a beer, glass of
wine, or even a cocktail (made with club soda or diet soda, of course).
Spend the rest of the party walking around with a full glass of club soda
with lime. Keeping your hands occupied accomplishes two purposes: first,
the hosts will not ask if you need a drink (you have one), and second,
it’s harder to eat with one hand wrapped around a glass.
- Host
your own party. Cocktail parties are so easy to make healthy. Too
many hosts toss together a menu of fried foods, fatty cheeses, greasy
chips and snacks, and unlimited nuts. There are plenty of great
alternatives like grilled chicken and crudités with yogurt dip, baked
chips and pretzels. Get more healthy party food ideas.
- Stay
active. Nothing helps your reach (and maintain) a healthy weight
like physical activity. If you’re like most, holidays keep you busier than
ever, leaving you with less time for yourself. If you don’t have time to
get to the gym, stay fit by walking daily. Get up 15 minutes earlier than
usual and walk briskly. Repeat just before dinner. GET TO CAMP GLADIATOR
- Make
the reservations. Social obligations often mean dining out. But
if you pick the restaurant, you’re guaranteed to be able to eat
healthfully. Choose an establishment that offers a variety of foods so
everyone is guaranteed to find something they enjoy. Use these dining out tips to keep it healthy.
- Choose
to lose. Many people feel that if they don’t partake in the
holiday feasting tradition, others will perceive them as rude or
ungrateful. Hey, it’s your diet, your way. You have the right to eat what
you want, where you want and in the amount you want.
- Just
say NO…tactfully! You can say to your host, "Oh, I’m sorry. My
plan doesn’t include (name the food) but, I surely thank you!" Or,
"Oh, thank you so much, I’m sure it’s wonderful! I’m too full right
now, but thanks for asking!" Firmly exercise your right of refusal,
but be sure to graciously thank your host for offering.
- Prepare
for a party and take the edge off your appetite. Eat a small,
healthy snack before the party. A half-sandwich of turkey in a whole-wheat
pita stuffed with sprouts and tomatoes will fuel you nicely. Then, at the
party, you can pick and choose wisely without being driven by hunger.
- Get support. Sometimes you just need to talk to a friend or buddy, and get some support and motivation to resist the holiday temptations. Post on the message boards, call a friend, or bring along your diet buddy for emotional support! This is EXACTLY what we do in my 30-90 DAY CHALLENGE GROUPS. Use this group experience to stay on track thought the holidays and BEYOND.
