Perhaps the worst hangover of the holiday season comes in January, when you realize that in addition to cherished memories and nice gifts, you have also come through the season with a few extra pounds around the midsection or a bit of extra junk in the trunk.
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The average American gains 7 pounds during the "Season of Eating," which begins at the Thanksgiving table and ends at some food-filled New Year's Day party. Here are five tips for staying fit during the festivities. Keep these pointers in mind to avoid your own case of "seasonal spread."
- Plan your eating. While you may not be able to predict (or resist) the delicious buffet at your neighbor's party, you do have control over all of the other meals you eat that day. Make sure the food you prepare (or purchase) for yourself during the holiday season is low-fat and packs a nutritional punch. This is one time of year when it's extra important to observe healthy meal-planning and careful grocery-shopping rituals. If the majority of your eating is even more healthful than usual, the occasional indulgence is just fine.
- Step up your exercise routine. If you usually exercise three times a week, make a pact with yourself to workout four times a week from November to January. The increased exercise will help you to fight off winter colds, sleep better and offset the extra calories you'll be eating (or drinking). The bonus? By New Year's Day, you'll probably be fully committed to your ramped-up exercise routine, making those New Year's resolutions a done deal.
- Choose your treats wisely. Instead of filling your plate with high-calorie foods, choose only the ones you like best (brie? quiche? brownies?) and fill the rest of your plate with healthy, filling choices like vegetables, olives, hummus and pita.
- Trust your clothes. At the beginning of the season, choose an outfit that currently fits you well. Wear it here and there throughout the season, and notice how it feels. Tight in the waist? Too snug in the upper arms? Or are those jeans actually feeling a little looser this week? This is a more accurate--and inspirational--way to keep tabs on your weight than just depending on the scale.
- Create a new tradition. If your family celebrations have always focused on food, try creating a different way to mark the season. Whether it's a Thanksgiving touch-football game or a hike to see the last sunset of the year, exercise can be a healthy and fun way to celebrate with friends and loved ones.
By following these simple guidelines, you can sail through the holidays without going overboard. And that's one more reason to celebrate!
About the Author
Portland-based freelance writer Lisa Weiner is a nurse practitioner and proud mother of a two-year-old boy. She has a passion for demystifying the world of health for her patients and readers. Her work has appeared in Clinician Reviews, The Jewish Review, Northwest Palate and the Oregonian.
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