For the next 7 weeks we are in the HOLIDAY VORTEX!  That means that we have more parties, social gatherings, and feasts.  Plus you also know, that in the work place cookies and treats will be popping up. 

So how do you avoid the holiday weight gain and stay on track with your fitness and health goals? 

Plan Your Splurges: We know that nutrition is key for results.  However the key is progress, not progression.  Eating clean and healthy 90 percent of the time will keep you waist line down.  So if you are going to splurge, know that out of the week 10% of the time you can enjoy some holiday treats.  Look at your week?  How many meals do you eat?  I eat about 28 meals a week so that is about 2 to 3 splurges a week.  Remember, it’s splurge not BINGE.  With the understanding that you can have a treat now and then and be okay, you won’t feel deprived and get super stuffed on sweets.

Substitute Healthy Alternatives: Just because you are making a holiday feast, it does not have to be processed and loaded with bad fats and sugars.  Your feast can be magnificent, tasty, and nutritious!  Here are some ideas:

Instead of pies and cakes, make fruit kabobs, muffins, or look at the Wildtree Herbs selection of sweet treats.  Wildtree is free of dyes, food additives, preservatives, MSG and high fructose corn syrup.  If you are going to have desert, at least make it less processed.

Have a big spread of vegetables.  I had my family over for dinner and we had pork chops, acorn squash, roasted veggies, salad, and beets.  It was super filling, delicious and healthy.

Choose healthy appetizers.  The cheesy-puffy-meat thing is not your best bet.  Veggie and hummus trays, lettuce wraps, and other fruit and veggie appetizers are much better. 

Sweat the Small Stuff: I don’t care if you only have 20 minutes to workout.  WORKOUT FOR 20 MINUTES!  Yes, holiday time is busy, but to avoid holiday weight gain you need to move.  Yes early I said you can splurge, but I am also assuming you are still getting your workouts in!  Do a fun run like the 4th Annual Antonia Turkey Trot or other fun run or outing.  Maybe a family football game!  Even with guests from out of town, get everyone moving.  On Christmas on year, we all went to the zoo.  Bundle up and get some walking in!  Need something at home, check out the TRX Great way to get an in home workout!

Don’t Wait Until January 1st: Like I said earlier, it’s progess NOT perfection.  Get rid of the idea that you are on a diet, off a diet.  Just because it’s the holiday season, you are not off.  Because if you go in with this idea, the holiday pounds will creep on and when January 1st rolls around you’ll be more frustrated and have to reloose the weight you gained.  Give yourself the opportunity to splurge, eat healthy, and keep moving.  This is a balanced approach to keep losing and feeling good.

Foodless Functions: Plan a foodless function or an event that is not solely centered around eating.  Maybe a holiday gift making party, holiday movie night, a charity event, or something else where the sole focus is not eating.  Don’t get me wrong, having a few snacks can be fun and enjoyable.  But every event does not have to be a feast where we sit at the table and stuff our face.  Get creative!  You could start a new tradition!

Have a Healthy Holiday Season!