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Playing the Holiday Food Game
By Marjorie Geiser, RD, NSCA-CPT
As the holidays come towards us, minds drift to the fear of weight gain and that
fitness plans will fall by the wayside. Some people work hard to lose weight
before the holidays, only to regain that weight, and add on MORE weight, once
the holidays have passed. How are you going to avoid the dreaded five to 10
pound weight gain we all hear about? You need to plan your strategy just as if
you were playing a game! So, sit down, read the recommendations below, and plan
your own strategy today, before the holiday games begin!
1 – Have a game plan.
All successful teams and professionals have a plan. Why should controlling your
weight at this time of the year be any different? So, as the parties and family
events are also in the planning stage, determine how you are going to approach
the obstacle course of high fat and high calorie goodies calling out to you?
· Determine how you are going to handle parties and the food provided.
· Plan your events ahead of time. Although there will be surprise invitations,
most people know what they will be doing over the holidays. Avoid excessive
parties.
· Make a plan for what you will prepare at home when not entertaining or
visiting. Just because it’s the holiday season does not mean you have to eat
holiday fare all season.
· Determine how you will keep your fitness routine intact.
2 – Prepare for the party game.
Ok, we’ve all heard these recommendations, but how many of you actually try
them? If you use them all, great! Check out to see if there are any new ideas
here or use them to remind yourself of some you may have forgotten.
· Eat before the event. If you are already full from healthy food, you are less
likely to ‘pig out’ on high calorie, empty carbohydrate, high fat snack foods
that just add up in our mid-section.
· Wear something tight in the midsection. Tight clothes will help you tend to
want to eat less, if for no other reason than it’s uncomfortable!
· Bring your own drinks and munchies. The more you are in control of what your
choices are, the less likely you are to grab foods you really don’t want to
eat.
· Avoid the alcohol. Many people feel out of place if they don’t have a drink in
their hand. Try keeping your glass filled with ice and water! No one will know
what you’re drinking unless you tell them or they ask. In the meantime, you
will be drinking calorie free.
· Concentrate on conversing more than eating. · Stand clear of the food tables.
The further you are from the food and goodies, the less likely you are to pick
up and mindlessly eat them.
· Choose smaller portions. Even if a food or snack looks very good, to avoid
feeling deprived, just have a smaller serving.
3 – Plan your party strategy early.
Whether you are the host/hostess or you are the guest, be selective about where
you go and how many events you take part in.
· Attend the ‘have to’ events. These are the events with family and close
friends. The ones you enjoy the most (we hope). Then there are the business and
work events.
· Watch out for the office parties, especially! Some you may have to at least
make a showing to these, but nothing says you have to drink all the punch and
be the last one out the door! Stick with your water and leave early for dinner
at home.
· When you are the host/hostess, you have control over what the food will be.
Choose foods you enjoy and are what you want to eat. Since so many other people
are trying to watch what they eat, you may be surprised to find this a very
popular choice!
· When you are the host/hostess, provide plenty of non-alcoholic beverages.
People just want something in their hands, but many will also opt for no
alcohol if it’s available.
4 – Put your home game plan together.
Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to eat as if you’re at a
party the entire season! In fact, because you will be socializing more at this
time, this is even a better reason to eat as well as possible when home.
· Always plan ahead when going to a party or event that evening. This could
include eating fewer calories throughout the day or cutting down on the fat.
· Avoid making desserts just for the family. There will be plenty to sample at
events.
· Choose extra fruits and vegetables. This would be a perfect time to strive for
5 per day. Make a pact to eat healthier at home during this period than
‘usual’. It may even rub off to create habits that last past the holidays!
· If you receive a lot of candy, cookies or alcohol as gifts, give them to
others as gifts, or bring them to work to share with others.
5 – Determine your exercise plan of action.
Many people strive all year to get a regular exercise program going, only to let
it slide over the holidays. Then, once New Year comes, they again struggle to
re-start a regular program. The best way to avoid this from happening year
after year is to plan ahead for such things.
· Hire a personal trainer. Whether you find someone to come to your home or meet
him/her at the gym, this could help keep you on track during the holiday
season. Just that motivation alone might keep you going!
· If you have a stationary bike, elliptical trainer or treadmill at home, put it
in front of the TV so you can watch either the news or your favorite show.
Another option is to get a book on tape or audio files of seminars to listen to
while working out. Because life is so busy during this time, you will be able
to accomplish two things at once; exercise and enjoy some entertainment.
· While doing chores at home, put some music on and build up a sweat dancing.
The holidays are a great time to enjoy friends and family. Many holiday events
are centered around food and eating, and we are so busy that often our exercise
routines fly out the window. Use these strategies to plan your course of action
for the holidays. This could be a great time of the year to find help, such as
a personal trainer, a Registered Dietitian or perhaps a life coach to help you
stay focused and in control.
Marjorie Geiser has been teaching health, fitness and nutrition since 1982. She
is a nutritionist, registered dietitian, certified personal trainer and life
coach. As the owner of MEG Fitness, Marjorie’s goal for her clients is to help
them incorporate healthy eating and fitness into their busy lives. To learn
more about the services Margie offers, go to her website at
http://www.megfit.com or email her at Margie@megfit.com.
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