HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE
Holiday weight gain is real, says new research from Cornell University. What’s more, the study showed that the extra pounds you put on between Halloween and Christmas can take more than five months to lose.
Let’s face it: it is hard to stick to a healthy eating and exercise plan during the holidays. Everywhere we turn there are tempting foods and drinks—from treats at office parties to our own traditional family favorites. When you add in a busy schedule filled with shopping and get-togethers that make it tough to squeeze in exercise, you have a recipe for disaster as far as our scales are concerned.
The good news is that you really can get through the holidays without gaining weight. It will take some effort, but you will thank yourself a thousand times when January 1st rolls around and you have no regrets!
Your Goal: Maintenance
In order to greet the New Year without tipping the scale, it is wise to try to maintain your weight during the next few months instead of trying to lose. Remember: you want to enjoy the holidays, not be miserable from deprivation. This means that you will allow yourself occasional treats and splurges and keep the scale where it is rather than trying to actually decrease your weight.
You can survive the holidays with no added weight gain. Remember these tips and keep a vision of what you want to feel like on January 1 in mind. It’s going to be a great holiday season!
Don’t skip your workouts
To get the biggest bang for your exercise-buck, do regular strength training moves. Even after your strength training session has ended, your metabolism and calorie-burn remains high when you do strength training! You need this calorie-burn to keep up with the richer food that you will be eating. You will also be less likely to overeat if you have just pushed through a hard workout!
Keep a food diary
Write down every single thing you eat— even if it is only one bite of shrimp cocktail. It is a proven fact that keeping a food journal results in better weight control than not keeping one. (Tip: don’t want to write it down…snap a picture!)
Monitor your hunger
Never show up at a party or buffet ravenous—you will most certainly overeat. Drink water and have a protein-filled snack (such as nuts, yogurt, cottage cheese, or cheese) before arriving. This will help you to have more self-control around the temptations.
Weigh yourself twice each week
Normally it is not a good idea to step on the scale too often, but during the holidays it’s a great way to stay on track with your goals. If you see the scale start to creep, you can immediately take steps to correct it, such as backing off your calories for a day or two, drinking more water, and adding in a little more exercise.
Eat breakfast
People who eat breakfast consume fewer calories throughout the day than those who skip this important meal.
Watch your portion size
If you have an idea of how much food you are putting on your plate, you will be less likely to overdo it.
Deal quickly with leftovers
If you have unhealthy leftovers in your home, you are likely to indulge. Don’t leave them sitting around. Freeze them, give them away, or toss them. It’s not worth the temptation!
Check-in with your future self
Every day, speak to yourself from the future—say, from January 1. Thank yourself for doing the tough work of self-discipline during these holiday weeks. You might say something like this:
“Thank you! I feel great! I’m no heavier than I was in November, I’ve stayed on track with my exercise, my energy is incredible and I’ve got the momentum to spend the rest of the winter getting in even better shape before spring gets here!”
Go public
Sound scary? It’s supposed to! Let others know what your current weight is and check in with them each time you weigh yourself. That kind of intense accountability will give you willpower when the cheesecake and fudge starts showing up at the office!
BONUS – If you want more tips & tricks to survive the holidays & not gain an extra 7-10 lbs, download our FREE Holiday Survival Guide at www.maxstrengthfitness.com/holiday.
Westlake 440.835.9090 / Willoughby 440.226.8080 / www.maxstrengthfitness.com
