Tis the season to eat, drink and gain weight! Aahhh….. the Holidays; a time to gather with friends and family over food and wine and indulge like no other time of the year. Personally, I love any occasion that revolves around food because I, like so many, have always had an issue with food. I love it!! Because of this however, I have also struggled with my weight most of my life because I refuse to not eat just to fit into a pair of Seven’s jeans. Instead I figured out what works for me so I am able to enjoy food (within reason) and maintain a healthy body and weight. Exercise!

But this time of year especially, is challenging for the best of us. Not only is there an abundance of food everywhere we turn, but there may also be people who don’t necessarily support our lifestyle choices so we end up succumbing to peer pressure even though we know better. It is for this very reason that we need to have a plan of attack in your back pocket.

First of all, never and I mean NEVER deny yourself, especially over the holidays. This is a sure fire way of self sabotaging any goal or progress you may have made. Instead think of the 80/20 rule. Be good 80% of the time and you are allowed to be not-so-good the other 20%. Now some may say…but don’t I have to be more strict if I want to lose weight? If your goal is to lose weight over the holidays – may God be with you! It’s hard enough to lose weight under the best of circumstances, never mind when food and drink are being literally thrown at you everywhere you look. Try just not gaining any weight at all over the holidays so when you want to start a weight loss program in the new year, you have already begun a good routine – just a little tweaking and you will definitely be one step ahead of everyone else!           

With that being said, here are a few things I have done in the past and continue to do to keep myself in-check up and until Jan 1^st.

·         Get up and outside for a power walk, workout, or class before you start your day - This way you get it done and over with (especially if you have a baby at home)!

·         Incorporate your baby in your workout routine at home – Hold baby during lunges and squats and do pushups over baby.

·         If you can’t get in 30 minutes at a time, do 3 - 10 minute mini workouts.

·         Eat before you go to a party - You are less likely to eat unnecessary calories

·         Drink 1 glass of water between alcoholic drinks – Keeping you fuller and avoid getting too tipsy. (being hung-over with a baby is NO FUN)

·         Eat slowly and with water – It takes 20 minutes before your tummy realizes it is full

 Good luck to you and Happy Holidays! You can do it!!!