It's that time of year again Christmas! To many, it is the best time of year. To those trying to lose weight, it can be the worst. Christmas parties, socials with friends, a house full of company, not to mention financial stress, all contribute to you slacking on both your diet and exercise plans.
When you have a house full of company, it is the job of a good host to make sure their bellies and glasses never go empty. So, how on earth are you supposed to stick with your diet plan?
It's about balance and asking for support. Family and friends are your best support systems. Here are some healthy tips for sticking with it this holiday season.
Rather than having cookies, cakes and chips out as munchies, try pretzels or veggies with a low calorie dip.
Have a tray of unshelled nuts out for guests. Besides being fun to crack, you are much less likely to over indulge because they are less convenient. Also, although nuts are high in fat, they are good for you in moderation and are very filling. A small handful of nuts can help to curb your appetite and prevent you from over eating at supper time.
Stay fresh! Turkey and cranberries are a standard at Christmas dinner. Why not serve fresh cranberries rather than preserved, jellied, calorie ridden canned cranberries?
Moderation! Moderation! Moderation! Remember that Christmas is a time for giving, not gorging. Portion control is very important at this time of year. Just because there is a large "all you can eat" buffet, it doesn't mean eat all that you can. Eat your salad first but avoid the pre-made salads like macaroni or salads with high calorie dressings. Choose the brown or multi-grain bun. Don't over do it with the gravy. Put gravy on either your meat or your potatoes, but not both. Skip dessert.
Make your stuffing with multigrain bread. It's a healthier option and your family probably won't even notice a difference.
Dance! Not only does dancing make you feel great, it burns about 300 calories an hour. So dance, dance, dance the night away!
Don't skip out on exercising. During the busy holiday season, make sure you keep exercise a part of your daily routine. If you have family staying with you, bring them along. Most gyms have a trial pass or drop in rate.
Cheers! When it comes to over indulging, beverages are often an area people tend to go a little overboard. Remember, though alcohol is fat free, it packs a lot of calories. About seven calories per gram in fact. That's about 70 calories per ounce! The higher the proof of the alcohol, the higher the calorie count. And remember, that doesn't include what you add to it for mix. Light beer and wine carry about 100 calories per 12 ounces and regular beer is about 150. The always popular rum and eggnog weighs in at a hefty 250 calories per glass! Replace half of the eggnog with skim milk and you can reduce your calorie intake by about 50 calories, plus you'll take in less fat.
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, but remember not to let all of your hard work go to waste this holiday season! Ask your personal trainer for additional tips for keeping your exercise routine in check if you are travelling this holiday season.
Merry Christmas! Remember to always - Say it! Mean it! Do it! Even during the holiday season!
