Archive for July, 2009
Lose Weight Through the Holiday Season
Did you know that most people actually gain between five to twenty-five pounds during the holiday season? If you can stick to your diet, not only will you avoid this tradition of holiday weight gain but you’ll be way ahead of your New Year’s Resolution! Yes you can lose weight through the holiday season!
The holiday season can be a very challenging time for most people. But with some planning and creative thinking, you can have a successful weight loss time during the holiday. Many dieters actually lose weight during the holidays – because they plan for this time. The key to losing weight during the holiday is to be prepared. The holidays are a fun, festive, wonderful and very hectic time. But you can take heart in knowing that if you are determined enough to lose weight during this time: you can lose weight during any other time as well!
Set smaller goals for success. One of the biggest challenges is that most people with weight to lose look at the big number. They think about the fifteen or thirty pounds they have to lose. Look instead at losing two pounds this week. Or simply eating healthy for today. Or getting in a workout every day after work this week. Setting these smaller goals will help you be more successful than obsessing about some big number.
Accept that the holidays are stressful. Many people find the holidays a very stressful time. Think for a few moments about what exactly is the most stressful about the holidays. Is it family staying with you during the holidays? Is it holiday time travel? Is it the financial burden of paying for the holidays? Whatever you can do to relieve stress will help you to lose weight.
Find healthy alternatives to family holiday favorites. If your family loves pecan pie or some other calorie-laden treat, now is the perfect time to find a healthy alternative to your family holiday favorites. There are many great recipes out there and you can often make some subtle substitutions that people just won’t notice that much. Adding applesauce to a recipe works better than using oil or even better many times.
Add in some new active holiday traditions. While many family holiday traditions involve the family stuffing themselves, start a new holiday tradition of the family getting active together. Start a family walk after dinner or play a game of football before the meal is served. Find some fun activity that everyone can participate in. Even something silly like freeze tag will have everyone getting active – and that’s the main point!
Spend the time enjoying the season. The holidays come just once a year. Be sure to spend the time enjoying the holidays and treasure this time with your family. Make this time not about food and calories, but the memories you create and the people you share the time with.
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