Staying Fit for the Holidays

TIS’ THE SEASON

The holidays are upon us and we’ve all worked so hard to drop a few pounds or maintain a healthy weight. But don’t worry, you can still enjoy the festivities and save yourself from disappointment when stepping on the scale come January. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll be saving yourself from gaining unwanted pounds.

TIPS

• Never go to holiday parties or dinners with a forbidden food list, because more than likely you’ll end up binging on those items. Just knowing you’re “not allowed” to eat those yummy treats makes the temptation that much harder to avoid.
• ALCOHOL! Oh yeah, it’s the perfect time to socialize with friends and celebrate the holidays with glee. If you plan on indulging, try a red wine instead of a white. Red wine contains antioxidants and, resveratrol, a chemical which protects the heart and brain from damage. Also, steer clear of the sugary mixers, and try soy eggnog, which has about 90 calories and 2 grams of fat per serving.
• Don’t let the table top lined with food intimidate you. Grab your plate and divide it into 3 sections. Use half the plate strictly for proteins and try to go light on the gravy. Split the remaining half of the plate into two parts: veggies and goodies. And by the way, that doesn’t mean go grab the nearest platter.
• Speaking of GOODIES…skip the cheap cookies and pies from your local grocery. Yeah, I said it! Go for your grandmother’s homemade pumpkin pie or fudge, in moderation of course. It’s the holidays and some food doesn’t come year round, so make it count.
• I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said, “I’m not eating until the party,” or “I’m saving my calories for dinner.” Eat a healthy breakfast and small meals throughout the day until the big dinner. If you decide to eat very little or not at all then it will be much more tempting to gorge at the party, so try to avoid that.
• Beware of the casseroles and mixed dishes! I call those side dishes, and they are usually high in saturated fats and carbohydrates. But not all fats and carbs are bad: Fats such as nuts, peanut butter, fl ax oil, fi sh oil, and avocado are heart-healthy, so think about that when you’re eating ONE serving of pecan pie. And as for carbohydrates, they are all about timing. Try eating that sweet potato or fruit salad earlier in the day so you can use that energy for the annual family football game.
• HYDRATE, and I don’t mean with your mimosas and dark beers. H2O is always  your best friend. Water can really save your tush (no pun intended) when you’re trying to maintain your weight. It is a natural diuretic and helps fat pass through your body without being stored. Water also gives you that “full” feeling without any caloric value. Every person has his or her own required water intake: Weight in pounds X .55 = daily water intake in ounces. Try it!

Moderation is key! Enjoy the holidays and remember, it’s just food. You’re allowed to satisfy your palate without having that overstuffed feeling. Be conscious of your caloric intake, stay active, and you will keep those extra pounds at bay.

 

[author image=”https://www.panamacityliving.com/media/2013/11/karen-picture-cmyk.jpg” ] Karen Jimenez Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist C.P.T., C.S.N.

Karen Jimenez is an American Muscle and Fitness Certified Personal Trainer and Sports Nutritionist. She has worked with people of different age groups, health issues and physical disabilities. She offers personalized training programs and nutrition plans based on blood work, health issues, physical concerns, age and gender. To learn more please visit facebook.com/K.DynamicFitness[/author]