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Health & Fitness

'Tis the Season to Overeat

Just because the holidays are coming doesn't mean you have to overeat and neglect your health.

Is it just me or did you notice that November 1st is the new day to get into the holiday mode. I’m surprised that Black Friday isn’t now Black-Day-After-Halloween. Stores are decorated. Houses are decked out. Radio stations are playing Christmas music. The mall is crowded again. I’m not Scrooge or anything, but I do know that this early holiday season also means that people are now in the “holiday eating season.” It’s like a free pass to eat more junk for longer. The mentality is that it’s now the holiday season and they will start their diet in January. Well, January is still 7 weeks away.

That could be translated into 7-14 pounds gained or 7-14 pounds lost. Which do you want it to be? If it’s the former, t hen you can stop reading here and go on your way. If it’s the latter, then read on for my tips for not only surviving the holidays but for living healthy over the holidays and into the New Year.

  • Exercise – If you already have an exercise routine, stay with it. Do not start skipping classes or workouts. Chances are, you will eat a little more over the next 7 weeks, so be sure to keep exercising to burn off some of those extra calories.
  • Balance – If you know you are going to holiday parties on Thursday afternoon and Saturday night, then make sure you are balanced on the other days of the week. For example, be sure to drink extra water, eat more fruits and veggies, pack or plan your meals, and stick to those workouts. Avoid letting Saturday night turn into a 5-day eating frenzy.
  • Freeze or giveaway leftovers – Are you hosting a party or holiday get together? Then you are likely to get stuck with the leftovers. This can be a dangerous thing. I suggest giving food back to those who brought it or sending guests home with a goodie bag of food. If you do still have a lot left, portion it into ziplock bags or containers and freeze most of it right away. A party usually lasts one day – not a week. There’s no need to eat “party food” once the party is over.  
  • Buddy System – ask a friend, relative or colleague to be your holiday buddy. This doesn’t mean someone to go out with every night! Instead, it’s a support system to keep you both healthy over the holidays. You can schedule workouts together and check in with each other via text, email, and phone calls. Hold each other accountable for sticking to a healthy holiday season.

Follow these 4 tips and you will likely have a healthy and happy (and not heavy) holiday season!

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