Don’t wait until New Years to make a resolution to health!

My 1st Christmas with Santa (my dad)

The holidays can be a tough time to stay healthy and maintain your weight, much less lose weight.  In fact, most Americans gain an average of 1-5 pounds between Halloween and New Year.  And what’s worse, they don’t lose that extra weight, so it compounds every year.  But, we can turn that trend around and be good role-models for our families.  We can keep the holiday spirit throughout the season without having the holiday hangover in the New Year.  The holidays are stressful enough with shopping, decorating, parties, mall traffic, and family & in-laws!  So here are my stress-free tips for getting all the joy out of the season while avoiding the holiday bulge.

• Balance out your binges.  The holiday season is about six weeks long.  If you go to all the parties and eat everything at each one, you will certainly gain weight.  To help spread out the calories, choose one party a week and let yourself enjoy the food.  Limit your food intake (or simply decline the invite) at all the other parties. 
• Don't stand near the hors d'oeuvres.  Take a few things, then walk away and get as far from them as possible so you're not tempted to pick from the platter or the buffet table. 
• Implement the 15-minute rule.  Give yourself that much time before you hit up the yummies and caloric cocktails.  Grab a nonalcoholic beverage when you first arrive to keep your hands busy.  People are usually nervous at the beginning of an event, so you’re more likely to dive into the buffet table and end up eating more.  Make the rounds and socialize a little before hitting up the buffet table or bar. 
• Don't ban your favorites.  The holidays are special, so decide which festive foods you really want and enjoy them, but skip those you aren’t all that crazy about.  If you love gingerbread cookies or cornbread stuffing, have some.  But, if you could take or leave those little pumpkin tarts or green bean casserole, don’t waste your calories. 

• 

  I've always loved the holidays

  Keep in-between meals low-calorie.  Balance out party splurges with über-healthy choices at other meals and on other days of the week.  Skip the chips or dessert at the meals just before and after your holiday parties.  It’s a lot more fun to have the calories at a special event.  Remember that French fries and milk shakes can be eaten all year round, but eggnog, pumpkin pie, and visions of sugar plums usually only come around once a year!

Make this the time of year to give the gift of health to yourself and your family.  It’s the gift that will last a lifetime… it could mean you have more holidays to enjoy.  I’m here to help you and your family, friends, and coworkers reach 2014 without packing on the holiday pounds.  From fitness to food, parties to family meals, I’ve got you covered.  Go to http://www.coachdconsulting.com  to see all the ways I can help you and those you love.  Obesity is 100% preventable and it starts this holiday season!