Fight The Battle Of The Holiday Bulge (and win)
How to Keep Yourself From Starting The New Year As Round As Santa
Okay, here it is – part 3 of our "Battling The Holiday Bulge
(and winning)" series. The Average American gains 7 - 12 pounds
between Halloween and New Years and studies show that most will
abandon their fitness programs. Yes, I know, I've already said
this but it bears repeating. Between the parties, high fat foods,
alcohol and hectic schedules who has the time (or the inclination
for that matter) to worry about exercise, never mind healthy
eating? Most people are busy putting off their healthy eating and
exercise programs "until the 1st of the year." That is, until
they try to get into their clothes or get a good look in the
department store mirror. There is still time to formulate a plan
that will have you closer to the fitness goals on the first of
the year instead of looking at an extra 7-12 pounds of ugly fat.
These easy tips will help you get through the holidays with a
minimum of stress and  weight gain. If you missed parts one & two,
drop me an e mail at dianne@custombodiestampabay.com and I will
be happy to send them to you.
1.Don't try to "diet" during the holidays- Set a goal of trying
to maintain your present weight. This way, you have a realistic
goal. Since , as I have previously mentioned, the Average
American gains 7-12 pounds, you will still be ahead of the game.
You can allow yourself to indulge here and there, but you won't
go over the edge
2.Pay attention to how quickly you eat and exactly what you eat
and drink- Chew your food slowly and focus on your companions and
the social aspects of each event
3.Remember that alcohol is packed with calories - Choose light
beer and wine over mixed drinks." A holiday-sized mixed drink can
have as many a 300- 500 calories or more.
 4.Offer to bring a favorite low-calorie dish to holiday parties,
so you know there will be at least one "safe" item
5.Make the effort to continue a regular exercise program – Find a
buddy or consult with a professional to help you keep yourself on
track. Aim for 2 – 3 30 minutes sessions per week (remember - a
little bit is better than none)
6.Never go to a party or event on an empty stomach-Before going
out, snack on protein, like chicken or cottage cheese. Protein
satisfies and will help you eat less
7.Keep an eye on your portion sizes - In the heat of celebration,
portion sizes can be quite excessive
8.Don't Skip Meals – Many people think that if they skip
breakfast and lunch, that they can "save" enough calories for
later. This almost always leads to binging
9.Don't let a hectic holiday schedule force you to eat fast food
- Prepare and freeze several quick, healthy meals. That way, you
have an option other than high-fat, fast-food meals.
10.Remember what the Holidays are about – Focus on friends and
family. Although most holiday events focus around food, the point
is to enjoy the company of your friends and  family not to see how
much dessert you can eat before you actually pop the buttons on
your pants (or dress)
11.Avoid Tasting While Cooking – You will be appalled at how
quickly the calories add up – Get a family member to taste the
food for you
Dianne Villano is the president of CUSTOM BODIES which has been
serving the Tampa Bay with fatloss and body shaping programs
since 1996. Dianne is a contributing writer for over 20 on and
offline media outlets. For more tips, strategies and nutrition
information, you can grab a copy of The ULTIMATE Holiday Fitness
Survival Guide – How To Actually Lose Weight During The Holidays
(Stress Free) free of charge at
www.custombodiestampabay.com/TheULTIMATEHOLIDAYSURVIVALGUIDE.HTM
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