Weight Gain Season Begins...But Not If You Start Planning Now!

Stores are already stocking their shelves with holiday decorations and gift items! Where does the time go? Has another year already passed!?!

Weight Gain season begins now and runs straight through New Year's Day.

The next two months will bring ample opportunity for you to expand your waistline. Of course the choice is yours.

Why discuss it now and not mid way through December? Because now is your opportunity to plan for the weeks ahead. Once the craziness begins, you'll be too busy to put a plan into action.

So let's take this moment of clarity, this calm before the storm, to outline a two-part plan that will save your waist from unwanted holiday inches.

1) Part One: Your Exercise Plan. Exercise is the first thing people cut when they get busy, and the holiday season is notorious for empty gyms. This year do something different—obligate yourself to exercise. Promising to yourself won't do it, you need to promise to others so that you won't drop the ball.

• Join a class – You won't be as effective exercising on your own during the busy holiday season, so join a class for accountability. Find something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated and uses strength training.
• Get a serious exercise buddy – Some friends can be an awesome help while others end up pulling you down. When looking for an exercise buddy consider the following questions:
  - Do they share your fitness goals?
  - Are they fairly encouraging?
  - Do they give up easily?
  - Are they at your fitness level?
• Sign up to work with a fitness expert – This is the perfect solution for consistent, challenging and effective workouts. You'll get the attention and assistance that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever – talk about motivating!

2) Part Two: Your Diet Plan.The holidays offer ample opportunities to indulge, so you need to set up some guidelines before heading out to all those parties. I'm not saying that you shouldn't indulge in any seasonal treats, but use moderation! Moderation is the key word here.  Don't use the holidays as an excuse to eat until the point of being uncomfortable. Is it really worth it? Decide which treats to cut out this year.

• Drink water and more water! Drink a glass before you eat and a glass with your meal.  It will make you feel more full.
• Don't bring edible treats to the office or to parties. You know that the leftovers will come home and you'll end up eating far more than your share. This year do everyone a favor by not gifting fattening treats.
• When faced with a buffet line, load your plate first with greens, vegetables and lean meats before breads and heavier foods. Also drink water with your meal and keep alcoholic beverages to a 2-drink maximum.
• Beware of holiday drinks – most are brimming with calories. Hot drinks from coffee shops, cocktails at parties and creamy eggnog are all very enjoyable and all filled with empty calories. Stick with hot tea or unsweetened coffee.
• Everywhere you go during the holiday season brings you face-to-face with a plate of sweets. To avoid being a bore but without adding inches to your waist, try the one treat rule. Each time you're in a social situation that involves sweets just eat one, and enjoy your treat slowly.
• Start a food journal... one of the best long term weight loss solutions.

You don't have to gain weight this holiday season. The key is your mindset.

 For questions or comments, use the space below, or send Lisa an email.