Kick Start Your Holiday Season Right!
Halloween…This holiday is synonymous with dressing up, having a scary good time, and mostly…candy!
Did you know that on average, people gain 10 lbs. during the “Holiday Season”?
Many people think of the “Holiday Season” starting with the feast of all feasts…Thanksgiving. Wrong! In my humble opinion, Halloween in fact marks the beginning of the end for many where the traditional winter weight gain begins.
In fact, James was just on KREX News channel 5 discussing this.
So, what can you do to get your holiday season started right, and stay ahead of the curve?
Here’s 5 simple tips to make sure that you not only keep those 10 lbs off all winter, but maybe even get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions!
1. Don’t go out on an empty stomach! If you’re hungry, your ability to make good nutritional choices will fly by the wayside.
Before going out with the kids trick or treating, or to that party, have a good snack. Something like trail mix and an apple, or a protein shake like the one listed here. That way, you will feel satisfied with just one piece, instead of one handful!
2. Get a workout in! Nothing will boost your metabolism like a great workout! Whether it be a quick round of intense intervals, or a more traditional strength training session, get your blood flowing and your body working. That will ensure that even though you indulge a little, your metabolism will be geared up and ready to burn the extra calories! *Just be sure that you’re not running on the treadmill or elliptical. That’s not going to be as effective.
3. Even if you start today, know that if you have a diet of primarily “good” food, a little bad food here and there isn’t going to be that big of a deal. However, if your diet consists of mostly bad food, the extra indulgences during the holiday season are going to make a bad situation worse!
4. Plan on giving out non-candy items from your home. That way when the evening is over, you aren’t left with extra temptations. Here’s a few ideas that kids will enjoy:
- Goldfish
- Single serve mini popcorn packs
- Glow in the dark spiders, ghosts, worms, etc.
- Bubbles
- Fruit snacks
- Gingersnaps
- Halloween pencils
- Glow sticks
- Stickers
The last tip is primarily for those of you with children that plan on trick or treating.
I am always amazed at the amount of sweets we return with! The generosity of the holiday is amazing, and the fun of taking a four year old dressed as “B O B the Blob” will not be replaced by anything!
However, the following tip should help soften the sugar blow in your household.
5. Have a “Candy Plan” when you return home. Have your child dump out all the loot on the table and sort them into 3 piles.
- Favorites
- Ones they just like
- Ones they don’t care much for
Plan on only keeping the favorites out, getting rid of the ones they don’t care for, and stashing the ones they “just like” to be rationed out and maybe even forgotten about and discarded.
This way, there isn’t an all out free for all, over-consumption that evening.
I hope this helps you get your holiday season started right where your physique and fitness are concerned!
I’d love to hear if you have any additional tips you use to keep your health and fitness on track during this festive time!
Be safe, have fun and feel great!
