In this time of rushed shopping in overcrowded malls, it's easy to
forget what it's all for. Leave the stress behind and remember your
faith, whatever it may be, is the reason to celebrate. May the shorter
days continue to bring families together for an evening of laughs and
holiday memories this season.
PRESTIGE WORLDWIDE. My big sister is coming home for the first time since moving last January (other than a VERY brief stopover in May). We've been beside ourselves getting excited to plant our butts on the couch and watch tons of movies and eat all of the dozens of cookies I baked. We've also been planning how to workout together during the holiday season. I'd like to dedicate this post to my kick ass family who has managed to LOSE weight this December. That's right - my family is watching the scale tick downwards, even with all those cookies in the house!!
Though studies have shown the actual holiday weight gain is 1-2 pounds, not the fabled 5-7 pounds, it's just as easy to let that spiral out of control. Why not have a plan in place to fight the weight creep and start out your new year with a slimmer waistline than before you carved the turkey!
What's your reason for the holiday gain?
Not enough time?
1. GET OFF FACEBOOK! If you claim you don't have enough time to fit your workout in during the holiday season because of shopping, parties, or whatever other plans you have...eliminate 20 minutes of Facebook time a day.
2. Schedule your workout as part of your day - treat it as an appointment with some sort of monetary consequence if you miss it ($5 in the missed workout jar will seem like $50 during the holidays when money is already tight).
3. Record your favorite TV shows and fast forward through commercials - another 20 minutes saved.
Can't resist all the cookie and cocktail temptations at the office or parties?
1. Eat smart earlier in the day when you know you'll be attending a party. Have a protein and fiber packed lunch to keep you satisfied into the afternoon so that you won't be ravenous when you arrive and grab a fistful of pigs-in-a-blanket.
2. Amp up your workouts in the days leading up to your big night out. Tack on 10 minutes of serious cardio (cycling, swimming, running) at the end of your workout.
3. If you're older than 6, you know what your favorite cookies are. Be selective about what you choose to indulge in. If you didn't like gingersnaps last year, you probably wont like them now. Save the calories and enjoy one treat you can trust you'll be satisfied by.
At the very least, stay active. When you're chatting on the phone - stand up. Take the stairs when possible, especially at the mall. Park at the far end of the lot and walk. Most importantly, don't let the calories you burned from getting active entitle you to treats as rewards, you'll end up eating more in the end!
Happy Holidays! Here's to a svelte 2012!
