Keeping Fit during Holiday Season

It's that wonderful time of year again... The holidays are approaching with Thanksgiving followed by Christmas and New Years.  But with all the joy and festivities taking place it's pretty easy to forget about your nutrition and fitness plan.  Who wouldn't be enticed by all the tempting treats of the season?  Only problem here lies in the amount of weight gain that most people experience over the month, so what can you do to keep fit and still enjoy the holiday's?  Here's a few tips to help you stay on track...

1) With so many parties and get-togethers there is bound to be food and beverages galore!  People will be nibbling here and there on all the goodies.  To avoid a lot of the temptation always drink plenty of water.  Water will actually help suppress your appetite naturally.

2) Have a small snack or meal before you leave the house.  Preferably eat higher fibre to keep you feeling satisfied.  If that is not possible, always use a small plate and try to choose healthier options.

3) Alcohol! The worst thing to mindlessly indulge in.  It's loaded with empty calories that are gram per gram similar to that of fat!  So make sure not to overdo the drinking and alternate between water and your drink of choice.

4) Make sure that you do something active everyday.  Yes everyday!  Take a brisk walk around the block, go cycling with your children, go for a swim... the key is to do something for about 30 minutes to an hour.  This will keep your metabolism going and help you burn more calories for the day.  Even going for a stroll after dinner will help keep things flowing right.  If you weight-train, continue it.  Even if it's a quick circuit.

5) Be sure to keep that stress level low.  We know that stress can make you fat.  High cortisol levels trigger the "eat eat eat" mechanism.  Most people eat for comfort and that means more calories in, less exercise out which equals more weight gain unless double exercise is performed.

6) You can supplement if you want.  Take 200 mcg of Chromium Picolinate and 300 mg of Alpha Lipoic Acid at the beginning of your "cheat" period.  These supplements help increase your cell's ability to accept insulin and assimilate the extra carbohydrates better. 

• Do give your body what it wants in moderation
• Do keep healthy snacks (apples, yoghurts, protein shakes, nuts) on hand

~Be safe and have a wonderful Holiday Season~

Written by :

Helki S.Weber

 

Health & Fitness - Diet and Nutrition