Everyone knows, the holidays are a time to dread because of the extra pounds that seem to appear from eating all those baked goods, huge meals, the party appetizers and candy bowls around the office.
The most important thing is to increase your exercise, preferably add an extra 15 minutes a day onto whatever you are already doing.
You don't have to be super picky about what you do anything can help, jog, walk, run, yoga, dancing, tae bo are just some examples.
If you can add some strength training in, that is perfect.
Just keep your energy level up, keep moving throughout the day.
Limit your time sitting and when you are sitting, wiggle your legs as best as you can.
I manage to add in some exercise in meetings by pumping my feet under the table as if I was riding a bike.
You burn more calories standing then you do sitting, about 120 per hour.
Anytime during the day you can sneak some exercise in do it, waiting in line, jump back and forth foot to foot, dusting your house add in a few dance steps, be creative have fun and keep moving.
Holiday Eating, simplified If you are not hungry don't eat.
Don't eat food just because it is there or to not hurt someone's feelings.
You can take a piece and say "Thank you, I will save it for later I am not hungry now".
Make your breakfasts count, they should include mostly or all protein, veggies and fruit.
Have eggs, protein shakes, yogurt, cottage cheese or a high fiber/high protein cereal, like Kashi.
This meal should keep you filled for a while into your day and not have you crashing from a sugar high an hour later.
If you choose to snack during the day, don't make your snack a high carbohydrate high sugar choice.
Ideally your snacks should be fresh fruits, veggies, a piece of string cheese or another protein rich low calorie item.
Lunches are not feasts, they are mid day meals to provide enough energy to get you to your afternoon snacks.
Lunch should have high proteins, lots of fruits and veggies, with a small amount of whole grain carbohydrates, brown rice, whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, limit the size here.
The protein and veggies fill you up the carbs are just to add some texture and flavor.
If you eat well all day it won't be so hard to eat well at night, a little more carbs can be included at dinner.
If you are attending an evening party with an assortment of appetizers and courses, you can selectively choose which items most appeal to you.
Keep in mind the more sugar you eat, the more your body will crave and the more weight you will gain through the holidays.
I choose to abstain, to the best of my ability, otherwise once I overeat sugar one day I have excessive hunger for the next week.
Watch your body pay attention to what you eat and how it affects you.
Keeping the pressure low, the exercise and eating options flexible and easy is the best way to make it through the holidays without gaining excess weight.
It is unreasonable to expect that you will go to parties and abstain from all the food choices that are offered.