The average American puts on about a pound of weight every holiday season. Almost half of this weight gain comes off by summer but Americans continue to accumulate the extra throughout life. Every decade, the pant size goes up.
Luckily, you can have your fruit cake and eat it, too. Here’s how to enjoy holiday festivities and treats while still staying true to your training plan.
Get over Halloween and Thanksgiving now
Hopefully, all the Halloween candy is gone from the house. It may surprise you but Americans tend to keep their leftover candy around until January. Next year, plan to send extra leftover candy to work, the fire department or the high school football team the day after the trick-or-treaters are gone.
Turn Thanksgiving into a fun, healthy event without weight gain by walking it off before Christmas. Shop and walk. Decorate and walk. Visit and walk together with family and friends. Enjoy this wonderful weather and calm your stress with quiet daily walking mediations.
Set aside a time just for you to clear your mind while moving the body.
Navigating holiday foods
Deciding what and when to eat is a daunting task throughout the entire holiday season. Family gatherings and fun festivities bring all those special recipes and treats we associate with this time of the year, and most of our favorite holiday foods contain heavy carbs and fats that turn into those unwanted inches. Enjoy your favorites in small quantities. A tasting can bring satisfaction without piling on the pounds.
Select proteins and essential fats to let the body feel full and properly nourished. Cut back on two meals for the day when you know there is a heavier meal coming up. Prepare for that company dinner with a protein-rich breakfast and a light salad for lunch. Enjoy a light dinner following a festive brunch. Try half a cup of Plant City strawberries before bed to calm any lingering hunger.
Stay hydrated and know that extra water helps cleanse away the effects of overeating and poor choices. Salt retention, usually associated with heavy carbs, makes the scale go up quickly. Detoxing with water takes those pounds away quickly, too.
Watch your caffeine intake. Sleepless nights mean exhausting days. My rule of thumb is to have no caffeine after 3 p.m. — and that includes chocolate. Remember your vitamins and supplements. This is not the time to deprive yourself of nutrients.
Staying sane
Stress can overwhelm us as we deal with visitors, parties, school activities, decorating, cleaning, cooking, shopping and the whole holiday flurry. Stay sane by taking care of yourself.
Learn when to say “no” and do it early. Delegate and share the load. Say “yes” to those requests that bring meaning to your life with good memories. Family times are not meant to be “picture perfect” — just enjoy what happens and have fun.
Don’t stop exercising. Exercise increases mental alertness while keeping your energy level high and balanced out. Use your time wisely. Take sensible shortcuts like deli foods or eating out. This can keep the schedule working for the whole family and manage exhaustion.