With the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and all the traveling that we do...the tempting treats and party food, and the general disruption to our normal routine, many people feel that weight gain is inevitable for them over the holiday period. Ok, Granted, it can be difficult to squeeze physical activity into our busy schedules with so much going on. Unfortunately, those who take a break from their exercise routine sometimes find it extremely difficult to get back on track again.
We already know the huge benefit exercise has on our bodies, including helping to reduce stress levels, giving more energy, lower cholerestol levels, blood pressure, and blood, and helping with weight maintenance. Exercise is also known to help reduced our risk of developing heart diseases and stroke. Be careful. find the time to exercise for a few minutes each day. Find ways to burn those unwanted calories, and yes, while most of you are thinking no surprising trips to the fridge in the middle of the night, or to the pantry with a spoon for some yummy peanut butter, it can also be in the form of burning up those calories with exercise that involves having sex. Yes you heard me SEX.
Avoid overindulgence, NO ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFETS!
While it’s totally fine to indulge from time to time, regular travelers need to say no to excessive buffet eating (especially prevalent at all-inclusive resorts and Grandma’s table), and to ordering restaurant meals laden with fat and calories. Try this,...Choose healthy salads, grilled lean proteins and steamed vegetables for regular meals this holiday and keep your portions reasonable. We aren't bears, as Ellen DeGeneres once said, and we don't hibernate, so we DON'T need a shit load of food to eat.
Carry low-calorie snacks in your travel bags
Getting from point A to point B over the holidays can be stressful, flight changes. delays, weather issues, and lets not forget the already thought of having to sleep in your old room that you parents haven't touch (decorating wise that is since you left) Air Supply poster? Seriously mother? Think about it...how many travelers make poor food choices because they don’t know when they will have time to eat their next meal. If you are traveling with children, it can be even more difficult. Carrying snacks and filling all your bags with fruit, protein bars or trail mix can help ensure you will never go hungry. The more ravenous you are, the more likely you are to head straight for the drive-through...plus this stuff will cost you a small fortune in the airport shops.
Watch your alcohol consumption
People don't realize how many calories liquors have in them. Hey, that beer gut didn't just pop out over night! Calories from alcohol can add up quickly. Drinking regularly at holiday dinners, cocktail receptions and the airport will contribute to and accelerate weight gain over a period of time. To avoid overindulging, try the "one for one" rule. “Drink one glass of sparkling water or club soda with a lime between each alcoholic beverage to help curb your alcohol consumption,” Tomor says.
Drink tons of water
Yes you heard me, WATER! Thirst can actually be mistaken for hunger. By drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, or more if you are flying, you may help reduce the amount of food that you eat and avoid overeating. Not to mention that it’s always important to stay hydrated, no matter the season. Keep a reusable bottle with you no matter where you are so you can easily sip on the go.
Always find time to exercise
Pack your workout clothes and shoes before you pack anything else so you have no excuse not to exercise. She also advises planning ahead and finding a gym or running trails near your hotel if it is not equipped with workout facilities. You can also upload workout videos to your laptop or carry compact exercise bands with you in your suitcase to ensure you work out while away. "Think 'when,' not 'if' when it comes to exercise," she says.
Don’t go to restaurants hungry
Being away from home also means eating out -- a lot. Restaurant eating is not only taxing on your wallet, but your waistline, too. To avoid any diet sabotage, Might I suggest tending to your stomach before heading out to eat by drinking water to curb some of your feelings of hunger. Better yet, sip on water with a twist of lemon or lime en route to the restaurant.
Say yes to salad
When you are on vacation (even if it’s just to another city to visit relatives) it can be easy to eat more than usual, especially at restaurants. Avoid that by filling up on greens. “As soon as you sit down to eat, order a side salad along with your beverage,” she says. “That way you will avoid eating chips and bread, which are full of calories.” Salads are so good and so much better for you,...providing you don't pile on the cheeses and thick creamy dressings.
Customize your meals at restaurants
Apparently, Victoria Beckham has been known to order “steamed broccoli” at restaurants – as her meal. We’re not suggesting you go that far, but you can trim calories easily when you eat out. Avoid eating fried foods or meals laden with heavy sauces and butters. Instead, she suggests ordering meals with sauces or dressings on the side. You can also ask the chef to prepare your meal with no butter or less butter. If the restaurant isn’t busy, your request will likely be accommodated.
Skip the calorie-laden condiments
One tablespoon of mayonnaise has 100 calories, and chances are that whatever is on your club sandwich is more than a tablespoon. (at least it sure is with mine.) We know condiments help boost flavor and improve a meal, but it’s all about making smarter choices. “If you need condiments, choose lower-calorie options, such as mustard, which only has three calories per teaspoon.”
Stay energized between meals
Having healthy snacks on hand means you and your family will stay energized between meals and never get too hungry. “Pack snacks in all of your bags, so you are not reaching for doughnuts and fried foods when you're hungry." Some portable snack options include protein bars, raw nuts, fresh or dried fruit, bagels, pretzels, low-sugar granola bars, low-fat energy bars and mini carrots.
Follow these tips to help you make wise choices throughout the day:
- If you're cooking use substitutions to trim the fat; for instance, use chicken broth or skim milk instead of cream or butter in mashed potatoes.
- Avoid portion distortion by eating off of a salad plate.
- Tell yourself that you will not go back for seconds unless you are still hungry
- Indulge where it doesn't count - feel free to eat as many vegetables as you would like!
- Relax - stress can lead to overeating. Exercising early in the day can help with this.
Enjoy your company - remember that the holiday isn't ALL about the food. It's about taking time to remember the things you are thankful for. Now then, lets talk turkey.....watch what your body consumes over the holidays! Be careful! Your body is your home and you can't put it up for sale, unfortunately it's the only one you'll ever have...so take care of it and keep it safe. If you follow the few things I've mentioned above, you'll stay health and keep the pounds off.
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