How To Stay Fit During The Holidays

How To Stay Fit During the Holidays
By Kim Roach

With the holiday's approaching, now is one of the hardest times to
hold on to your healthy habits. However, one of the best things you can do for yourself during the holiday season is to pay attention to your diet and fitness program. Otherwise, you could easily start the New Year five pounds heavier. By following a few tips, you can keep your physique and continue with your healthy lifestyle through the holidays and into the new year.

Here are some tips to keep you slim and trim.

Shake up your workout routines. During the holiday's, it's hard to stay dedicated to your usual workout routines. That's why it helps to shake it up a bit. Do some power sessions that are quick but still very effective.

Exercise with the family. Holidays are one of the best times of the year and allow you to gain back some much-needed time with the family. However, why not make fitness a family affair with neigborhood walks, family fitness contests, or even building a snow fort.

Never go to a holiday part on an empty stomach!

This is a rule I've started to live by and you wouldn't believe how much it helps. Simply eat a little bit before you head off to a party and you will be less tempted to indulge in sweets. An apple is a great food to help curb your appetite.

Skip the egg nog (up to 350 calories a cup!), alcohol, and sodas and stick to water. This will save you hundreds of calories. Drinking plenty of water also supresses the appetite and keeps your body in optimal health.

Do your workouts early in the morning. Everyone's schedule is hectic during the holiday's. Those wee early morning's may be the only time you have to get in a powerful workout. Wake up as early as possible and do an exercise video or head off to the gym for some morning cardio.

Eat slowly!

Research has shown that eating slowly reduces caloric intake by
70 percent.

When tempted to eat sweets, snack on fruits, vegetables and high-fiber foods instead. These foods can satisfy your sweet-tooth and your hunger cravings. In addition, dried fruits are one of the healthiest alternatives to sweet snacks.

Surround yourself with a support group. Having a support group is essential to losing weight. Everyone needs to know that they're not in this alone. There's a great online group you can join at Sparkpeople.com. This free website is a community of like-minded people who will help you stay motivated to reach your goals. They also provide plenty of healthy recipes, exercise ideas, and tons of nutrition information. Join today at SparkPeople.com.

Skip the gravy, dressings, and other high-calorie condiments. Many dressings and condiments can add hundreds of unwanted calories. You can enjoy the holidays without sacrificing your figure. The key is knowing which foods to eat and which ones to skip. Focus on fruits, vegetables, and lean meats. These food choices are nutritious options that won't leave you craving second-helpings.

If you're into the sweets, you don't have to skip them. Just remember that one bite is often as good as ten. You can have just a few bites and enjoy your dessert rather than overindulge and suffer later.

Don't skip meals. Your body needs to be fueled properly every few hours with healthy, nutritious meals. This keeps your blood sugar levels in check and prevents the wild hunger pangs that often lead to over-indulgence. Our bodies were not made for the large helpings that are so common during the holiday's. If you want to stay fit, it is best to eat five smaller meals throughout the day. Say goodbye to the turkey hangover!

Bring healthy dishes to holiday parties. If you are wanting to eat healthy, you need to lead by example. By bringing a healthy dish to the potluck, you are allowing yourself and others to choose healthier options.

The majority of the population will gain a few pounds during the holiday's and slack off on their fitness program. Let's NOT follow their example. Instead, let's stay fit and healthy all year long. In the end, the others will wish they had done the same.

Nothing tastes as good as being fit feels....

Kim Roach is the fitness reporter at HealthyEveryDay.com. Come and
visit to find out more about the
benefits of flaxseed and
spirulina.

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