Lose 8-10 pounds by the Holidays with Optimum Bodies

Written by Ryan Starr on Monday Nov 23, 2009

HEALTH AND FITNESS TIP

Many people gain 5lbs-10lbs over the holiday season. Although we all like to go out and have a good time with family and friends, the weight we gain can leave us feeling less than jolly. Here are 5 fitness tips to help you manage your weight this holiday season.

1. If you are currently on a regular exercise schedule work hard to keep it up. If you are not exercising do not wait until the New Year to start your New Year’s resolution. Start now and you will be more conscious of what you eat over the holidays. Plus the exercise will help to burn extra calories and have you losing weight instead of gaining it.

2. Eat a light snack before you go out to a party. Parties often do not provide the healthiest food choices. A light, healthy snack (for example half a whole wheat tuna or chicken wrap) with help to prevent overeating and heading for the high fat, high calorie foods typical at most parties.

3. Do not plan on going on a restrictive diet after the holidays. This approach leads to binge eating during the holidays and is an ineffective way for healthy weight loss.

4. Do not beat yourself up over one or two bad meals. It’s not a big deal. Leave the bad meals in the past and focus on healthier choices for your upcoming meals. When at parties choose vegetables, fruits, grilled shrimp, chicken, beef, low fat dips, etc., over the high fat, high calorie alternatives.

5. BE CAREFUL with the beverages. A glass of eggnog contains over 350 calories (10 glasses over the holidays is equal to 1lb of body fat in calories). A 5 ounce glass of wine contains 100 calories, a 12 ounce glass of beer contains 150 calories and an ounce of liquor contains about 90 calories. It’s very easy to consume thousands and thousands of calories from beverages over the holidays.   

I hope you enjoyed the tips.
In good health.
James