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50 Ways to Survive the Holidays!
By Linda Sunshine
Worried about the holidays? You are not alone.
From the onslaught of Halloween chocolate and Christmas goodies to a champagne infused New Year's eve, the holiday season is the most challenging time of the year to stay healthy and focused on your eating and exercise regime. The Calorie Control Center estimates that the average American consumes 4,500 calories and a whooping 229 grams of fat on Thanksgiving Day alone! Add to that our escalated stress levels, shopping obligations and party invitations and the holidays go from being a time for giving to a time for gaining.
Do not despair! Help is right here with 50 fabulous tips and tricks for navigating the holiday season. Even if you can only implement a few of these suggestions, you'll be way ahead of the game. With our help, you'll not only maintain your healthy habits, you can even continue to lose!
Below is everything you need to know to celebrate the holidays without any regrets in 2010!
- Have a plan! Don't let the holidays sneak up on you without knowing how to handle them. Remember the saying, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail!"
- Create a special plan for when you travel, visit your mother-in-law, attend the office Christmas party or any other stressful event. Consult a professional, if you are unsure how to handle these situations.
- Buy whatever kind of trick-or-treat candy you don't personally like. Or give boxes of raisins or nuts.
- Buy only one bag of candy to prevent having leftovers. When you run out, turn out the lights and go to sleep.
- Enjoy winter sports like skiing, skating or even making a snowman with the kids. You can burn a lot of calories just shoveling your driveway.
- Spend more time around people who embrace a healthy lifestyle by being active and eating right.
- Always have a healthy snack (like an apple) in your purse or car.
- Know what you are going to eat at every meal so you're not tempted by fast food or holiday treats.
- Write down everything you eat or drink. Studies show that you'll eat 26% fewer calories if you keep a food journal.
- Never skip breakfast.
- Never go hungry! Eat a healthy meal or snack before leaving the house, especially before going food shopping or to a party.
- Always exercise portion control.
- Pass on all second helpings.
- Politely decline to take home leftovers.
- Be judicious. If you plan to eat a holiday goody, only choose the one you really love.
- Host your own party where you can serve healthy alternatives to the usual party fare.
- Instead of butter and sugar rich frostings, lightly dust your cake with powdered sugar and serve with fresh fruit.
- If the recipe calls for nuts or chocolate chips, cut the amount in half.
- Cut your holiday pie into 10 pieces instead of 8.
- Donate any gifts of food or candy to your local homeless shelter or food bank.
- Send your leftovers home with your guests.
- Go for a walk instead of the fridge.
- When holiday shopping at the mall, park far away from your destination so you have to walk more.
- On your way home, take a brisk walk around the mall.
- Prioritize your workout by making an appointment to get it done as early as possible so you don't procrastinate.
- Increase your daily exercises. Add 10 minutes to your usual workout or one more workout a week to your schedule.
- Make a pledge to take the stairs whenever possible during the holiday season.
- When picking up the kids from practice, walk around the parking lot instead of sitting in the car.
- Get support. Join our forums and message boards at www.myfoodlovers.com to share your concerns with others who are also struggling during the holidays.
- Limit the stress in your life. Choose your commitments carefully and say "no" if you don't have the time.
- Take control of gift giving by drawing names among your family members or donating to charities in lieu of time-consuming shopping.
- Avoid high-calorie alcohol. If you choose to drink, consider wine, spritzers and carbonated water over eggnog and other mixed drinks. Red wine is fairly low in calories and has some health benefits but limit yourself to one glass.
- Get plenty of sleep! Fatigue can trigger overeating and add to an already stressful schedule.
- Volunteer to make the dinner reservations yourself so you can choose a restaurant that offers healthy alternatives.
- Learn to say "no" graciously when refusing the mash potatoes or pumpkin cheesecake.
- Bring your food gifts to the office. If your neighbor sends you a beautiful box of Christmas cookies, re-gift it to your sister.
- Eliminate the guilt. Do not beat up on yourself if you over indulge. Just get back on plan the following day.
- Bring your own dish to the party. Your contribution can be something healthy, nutritious and delicious.
- Check out holiday cookbooks or online recipes at www.myfoodlovers.com for healthy alternatives.
- Bring your own lunch to the office and that will be one less meal to worry about.
- Drink water! Water can help fill you up and many times the feeling of hunger is only thirst.
- Eat slowly and participate in the conversation at mealtime.
- Instead of concentrating on the food at a party, focus on the people.
- Stock your kitchen with healthy snacks and alternative desserts.
- Reward yourself by making a small donation to your piggy bank every time you eat healthy. During January clearance sales, buy something special for yourself.
- Embrace the idea of change. If you dream it, you can do it!
- Never, ever give up on yourself.
- Remain consistent, positive and focused.
- Set a goal. Where do you want to be by January? Studies show that people who have a specific goal are more focused, aware and will make healthier choices.
- Enjoy the holidays but never forget your endgame!
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