Wellness Wednesday: Keeping Fit During the Holidays
Holiday Weight Loss Tips
Image courtesy of Mister GC at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
As we approach the holidays, we dream about pumpkin pies and sugar cookies. After all, that’s part of what makes up our holiday traditions, right? But this is also the time of year many of us pack on a few extra pounds.
Use these tips to help you navigate the holiday feasts and parties without sabotaging your weight loss plan!
1. Eat a good breakfast. Starting the day off right with a breakfast of protein and fiber can help you start the day off right and stave off cravings. A good breakfast can be key to keeping you on track the rest of the day. Don’t skip it!
One of my favorite quick breakfasts is an egg, TBSP of milk scrambled in a microwavable custard dish. Cook it in the microwave 25-30 seconds, mix in a TBSP shredded cheese and cook another 25-30 seconds. I also like to have cottage cheese or yogurt with a piece of fruit.
2. If you can, try to take a 30-minute walk or do some squats and arm curls before meal time or leaving for a party.
3. Drink a large glass of water before anything else. When I drink enough water throughout the day, I find myself a lot less likely to resist cravings. Drink a 2 cup glass of water before indulging in holiday feasts or the party buffet. You’ll be amazed how much more quickly you’ll feel full. You’ll also want to drink water as your beverage unless you prefer to drink your calories.
4. Scope out the spread. Before you actually grab a plate, take a brief overview of what is available at the table. Try to find the healthy snacks, like the fruit and vegetable trays (go easy on the dip!), or soup, if it’s offered. If it’s a potluck, ensure there’s at least one healthy dish by bringing it yourself.
5. Choose what’s worth the calories. Of course you’re going to sample these dishes that only come out once a year! Choose a couple of your must-haves and have a small serving of each. Each slowly so you can savor it longer! You don’t want the bulk of your plate to be filled with heavy, calorie-laden foods, though. 75% of your plate should be made up of lighter fare.
6. If you you slip up, just start over. This is probably the most important tip of all. If you do in fact eat and drink more than you should, don’t throw in the towel and give up. We all fail sometimes. Just get back on track the next day and maybe take an extra walk.
I hope these tips help you stay on track!
Great tips. Hopefully some will help me I am trying so hard to get fit!
Thanks for the tips! I’m doing a lot of these now – especially the water! I am known for having a glass of sweet tea with, like Uncle Sy from Duck Dynasty – LOL. I have giving it up and am now drinking water. I have my coffee in the morning and a glass of water. I didn’t realize just how many calories I was just drinking. I have only been doing this for a week and can already tell the difference. 🙂
These are some very helpful tips. I have found that if I don’t eat breakfast, I seem to be hungry all day. At potlucks, if it is something, I can not resist, I just have a spoonful. This seems to satisfy me. Not big on desserts, so am good there. Thanks for sharing all these tips. Great for Christmas Holiday also.
I just did a very similar post. I love your tips! I think it’s very smart to eat a good breakfast. I know I tend to over eat if I don’t have a good breakfast. I also scheduled a half marathon for today. It helped me stay fit right before Thanksgiving!