Blog: Avoid Packing on the Holiday Pounds Using These Four Tips

Is it just me or have you noticed Nov. 1 is the new day to get into holiday mode?

I’m surprised Black Friday isn’t now Black-Day-After-Halloween. Stores are decorated. Houses are decked out. Radio stations are playing Christmas music. The mall is crowded again.

I’m not Scrooge or anything, but I do know that this early holiday season also means people are now in the “holiday eating season.” It’s like a free pass to eat more junk for longer. The mentality is that it’s now the holiday season and they will start their diet in January. Well, January is still seven weeks away.

That could be translated into seven to 14 pounds gained or seven to 14 pounds lost. Which do you want it to be?

If it’s the former, then you can stop reading here and go on your way. If it’s the latter, then read on for my tips for not only surviving the holidays but for living healthy over the holidays and into the New Year.

• Exercise – If you already have an exercise routine, stay with it. Do not start skipping classes or workouts. Chances are, you will eat a little more over the next seven weeks so keep exercising to burn off some of those extra calories.

• Balance – If you know you are going to holiday parties on Thursday afternoon and Saturday night, then make sure you are balanced on the other days of the week. For example, be sure to drink extra water, eat more fruits and veggies, pack or plan your meals, and stick to those workouts. Avoid letting Saturday night turn into a five-day eating frenzy.

• Freeze or give away leftovers – Are you hosting a party or holiday get-together? Then you are likely to get stuck with the leftovers. This can be a dangerous thing. I suggest giving food back to those who brought it or sending guests home with a goodie bag of food. If you do still have a lot left, portion it into ziplock bags or containers and freeze most of it right away. A party usually lasts one day – not a week. There’s no need to eat “party food” once the party is over.  

• Buddy System – Ask a friend, relative or colleague to be your holiday buddy. This doesn’t mean someone to go out with every night! Instead, it’s a support system to keep you both healthy over the holidays. You can schedule workouts together and check in with each other via text, e-mail and phone calls. Hold each other accountable for sticking to a healthy holiday season.

Follow these four tips and you will likely have a healthy and happy (and not heavy) holiday season!