Valeo Training

Saturday, December 15, 2007

HEALTHY HOLIDAY TIPS


Think about this for a moment…What if 2008 was the year that you took control of your body? The year that you threw your fat clothes away…the year that you were proud to put on a bathing suit…the year that your doctor congratulated you on your improved health...the year that your family and friends - and that special someone - showered you with compliments. It's possible. Even more possible than you think.The thing is that you need to direct your effort in an effective way. It all comes back to enjoying sensible nutrition and introducing new and challenging exercise into your routine.

My good friend and fellow Personal Trainer from my time in Florida, Taylor, sent this helpful list to her clients and I thought it was well worth sharing with you as well!

Here are 10 great tips that will help prevent you from gaining weight over the holidays:

1. Limit your intake of calorie laden beverages. Eggnog, champagne, mochas, and hot chocolate all have one thing in common: they are packed with empty calories - avoid these beverages and load up on water instead.
2. Officially schedule exercise into your calendar. It's just too easy to let workouts slide this time of year - make a commitment to exercise and keep it.
3. Forego the goodie making. By keeping your home free from Holiday treats you will undoubtedly gain fewer pounds. However, if you simply have to make those Christmas cookies then chew gum during the baking process to prevent snacking.
4. Have fun being active. Winter is a great time to burn calories outdoors. Go skiing for a day or take the kids sledding. No snow in sight? No problem - take a brisk bike ride or power walk through the mall.
5. Use healthy ingredients. Your Holiday meal will taste even better when you seek out fresh, organic and low fat ingredients - and you'll feel better too.
6. Learn to compromise. Dying to have that peppermint mocha? Go ahead - but have it with nonfat milk and pass on the whipped cream.
7. Don't go hungry. The Holidays are a dangerous time for your metabolism. Focus on eating small balanced meals every few hours to keep your metabolism going strong.
8. Enjoy a sample. No one says you have to completely avoid the appetizers and desserts at your Holiday party - just enjoy in moderation.
9. Focus on family not food. Let's face it, this time of year is big on two things: family and food. Make an effort to place your focus primarily on your family.
10. Stick to your strategy. The best way to gain weight over the Holidays is to approach them without a plan. Using the above tips, write down the ways in which you plan to avoid weight gain this year - then periodically check up on yourself.

In this season of gift giving don't miss the opportunity to give yourself the gift that you really want - a leaner, stronger, healthier body and a lifestyle worth celebrating.

You deserve it.

1 comment:

BoxcatAV said...

2008 will mark my 2nd year of living Healthy and Lovin' It:-) Thanks for being a motivator.