Saturday, November 22, 2008

Holiday Temptations



If you are human and you succomb to temptation from time to time, then you probably have trouble keeping your diet on track during the holiday season. When I say "holiday season" I mean Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Even if you don't have kids of Trick-or-Treating age (or if you don't have any kids yet), you probably still hand out candy. For me, this is how Halloween usually goes: "Two for me, one for you." I have been better this year than in years past, but I still have a lot of things to improve upon. So I have come up with a few tips that, if I always practiced what I preached, would help me move through this time of year at full steam ahead. Maybe you will follow them better than I will.

1) Don't deprive yourself in the hours leading up to a party:

Many people like to "save up" their calories the day of a party, because they know there will be many high calories foods there. But then they end up pigging out on junk at the party because they are starving when they get there. You can still try a little bit of everything without going overboard. Share a plate with your kid or your husband, and nibble off their plate. Just don't keep refilling it!

The day of your shindig, eat healthy, filling meals (lots of fiber!). Even have a snack (like apple and peanut butter) a little before the party starts. Hold off of your sugar fix until you get to the party. That way you can indulge on that one treat you love. 

Also, go in with a plan so you don't become overwhelmed.  Remember: you don't have to eat everything that is placed before you, just because it only comes once a year! If you hate peanut brittle, don't put it on your plate.    

And it's usually best to use the appetizer plates instead of the large dinner plates.


2) Drink water.

Some of the things that have the most sugar and calories this time of year are things like egg nog and hot chocolate, and alcohol. And those are calories you tend to forget about. If you stick to water you'll have more leeway for the calories you'll remember consuming!  And you won't end up with the lampshade on your head! ;)

3) Find a way to double up family tradition with being active.

My two aunts developed this tradition of going roller blading after dinner on Thanksgiving. It started one year when they decided to get out of the house for a bit, and then naturally turned into a tradition. It's better than sitting on the couch watching football!

4) Don't forget to exercise!

This may seem like common sense but, when it's cold outside, many people put it off. Set a schedule for yourself, and fit your workouts into a time slot where you're most likely stick with it. For me it's the AM. Try and find ways to be active indoors. I read somewhere that people who are mostly active outdoors over the summer tend to gain weight in the winter simply because they don't have a way to be active inside. 

So if it's too cold to go on a run or to hike that trail, pick up an exercise DVD and stick to that until it warms up again. These are great if you don't have exercise equipment, and you don't need a ton of space. My personal favorites are the Billy Blanks DVDs. They kill me every time! Check your local library for their workout DVD selection, or Netflix!

Finally, don't beat yourself up. If you have a bad day, forgive yourself and remember that tomorrow is a new day. Write down your goals, and display where you can see them, if it helps.

Here's a few good links for more holiday season fitness tips:

http://www.acefitness.org/media/media_display.aspx?itemid=240
http://www.womenfitness.net/top10_fit_and_lean.htm

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