We all know that maintaining your diet and weight loss plan during the holidays can more than a little difficult. In fact, maintaining your ideal weight during the holiday season can seem almost impossible. Fortunately, if you believe the old stories about how much weight people put on during the holidays, you're only partially correct. In a recent study conducted by The National Institute of Health, the researchers discovered that, in reality, most people tend to put on just under one pound. However, a person who is already overweight will average a whole five pounds extra during the holiday season.
Unfortunately, the study also shows that people tend to keep those holiday pounds on. In other words, over ten years, those "not-so-much pounds", could lead someone to being overweight.
So, what can we do in order to keep those extra pounds off? How do we lose weight put on during the holidays? After all, our homes are usually filled with holiday pies, cakes and other goodies, and they can be pretty tempting-even for the most faithful of dieters!
Here's a few tips to get you through the holidays.
Just a Nibble!
Have you ever noticed that when you start eating a rich dessert it tastes so good, but by the last bite, you've had enough? One way to keep the pounds down is just to enjoy a few bites of that delicious cheesecake or chocolate fudge brownie. No one says that you have to completely deprive yourself of holiday treats-just limit how much you eat!
Enjoy the Company, Not The Brownies!
Many people think of holiday parties in terms of the foods that they'll get to eat (or have to avoid) instead of the real reason for the celebration-the company and conversation. If you keep yourself busy chatting with friends, you'll be less likely to invade the snack table.
Go Full
You've likely heard the grocery store trick; don't go shopping when you're hungry because you'll only end up buying more. Well, the same can work for holiday parties! Eat a lot of raw vegetables, and other healthy foods that will stick with you during the party and you'll be less tempted to binge on the bad stuff.
Drink Water
If you were to add up the calories that you've probably consumed in sodas, fruit punches and alcoholic beverages at parties, you would likely be amazed. You can gulp down hundreds of calories without even realizing it if you're not careful! Instead of one of these high-calorie drinks, make it a habit to drink water-which in itself will help flush out extra water weight.
Create an Eating Schedule
It wouldn't be fun-or realistic-to try and get through an entire party without at least sampling some of the treats. But instead of heading instantly to the food table and loading your plate-and then suffering the rest of the party because you want more-try spacing out your snacks for the entire party. Plan on taking a nibble of something about every thirty minutes. Not only will it help you eat less, it will be a fun game that you can play with yourself!
Most importantly, remember that the holidays are meant for enjoyment. Don't be too hard on yourself, and if you make a mistake, talk an extra long walk to work off those extra calories instead of beating yourself up over it!
About the Author
Adam Waxler publishes the Weight-Loss-Power-Package...a collection of six weight loss ebooks guaranteed to help you lose weight. Check out the complete package here: www.weight-loss-power-package.com and check out his blog for free weight loss tips here: www.weight-loss-machine.com/blog.
Ask Mirabai
Q: I have several friends that are interested in getting in shape. I was wondering if you could suggest any nifty fitness gifts I could give them during the holidays?
A: Nifty is a perfect description for the Polar F11 heart rate monitor and fitness watch. A key element in any fitness program is knowing your target heart rate and exercising within your personal target heart rate zone.
Polar is a Finnish company that has set the world standard for personal heart rate monitors. And their new F11 series has just raised the bar once again. According to Polar, the F11 is "the world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. OwnIndex® will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. The OwnCal® feature counts the calories and fat that you burn and the OwnZone® feature will automatically determine each day's target zone. The F11also features the WearLink™ Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material. The electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the strap for added flexibility and comfort. The Coded feature eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors."
I used it this week while teaching my aerobics classes and it does everything it promises. Polar features both male and female-targeted models. F11 retails at $159.99 (basic models start around $59) For more information and to find a store near you go to www.polarusa.com
A great way to get in shape without putting undue stress on your body is to exercise in the water. Many of my clients swear by this particularly those who are overweight, have orthopedic issues or who have problems like arthritis. One of the best tools out there is the AquaJogger®. It's a flotation belt that suspends the body vertically in the water at shoulder level so you can jog in place using the water resistance without the impact of land jogging. It's also perfect for aerobic dance style impact free workouts. It's important to get the right fit. Aquajogger® comes in a variety of styles to accommodate different sizes and shapes. Prices range between $30-$60 depending on size and style.
As your fitness level increases you can add resistance by using accessories like DeltaBells (lightweight foam triangular dumbbells) $27.95 for upper body and AquaRunners RX foam resistance footwear $27.95 for the lower body.
Or get the Aquajogger® Classic Fitness system set which includes the Aquajogger® belt, Delta Bells, and AquaRunners foot gear, a getting started video and a workout guide - all for about $100. For more info visitwww.aquajogger.com
By the way, for those just getting started, my Fabulous Forever® Easy Aerobics home video (DVD or VHS) is just the ticket. $19.95. Get it online at www.movingfree.com
Send your Ask Mirabai questions to: exercise@movingfree.com
Mirabai Holland M.F.A. is one of the leading authorities in the Health & Fitness industry, and public health activist who specializing in reventive and rehabilitative exercise for women. Her Moving Free™ approach to exercise is designed to provide a movement experience so pleasant it doesn't feel like work. For more information www.movingfree.com
