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So says Personal Trainer Jodi Murphy, owner of Pulse in Westwood who says that when we have that mindset we end up saying yes to larger portions, yes to that second slice of pie, yes to another glass of wine, and so on, so that come January we find out those overindulgent yeses have earned us five, ten or maybe even 15 pounds.
Often, she says, we feel defeated before we start making changes. The good news, says Murphy, is that 2016 hasn't started yet so there's still time to avoid that possible weight gain. By making small changes now, you can be on the path to healthy success. You don't have to deny yourself completely, but you do need to be aware and thoughtful of your choices.
A few tips:
- The goal for the holidays is to maintain. Trying to lose weight during the holiday season can be challenging, so do your best to not gain any weight.
- Yes, we are all busy, and the holidays make us even busier, but making time to exercise now will make a huge difference come January. Even if you can only get 30 minutes of walking in, do it!
- Be mindful of your indulgences. It’s ok to have a taste, but there is no need to have a full treat or multiple treats. Denying yourself completely will set you up to fail, but knowing your limit is crucial.
- Don’t go to a party hungry. If you are ravenous by the time you get there, you will eat everything you see. Have something healthy to eat to stave off those empty calorie temptations.
- Stop thinking about food all the time. If it's on your mind, you will be hungry.
- Liquid calories count. Don’t let your coffee have as many calories as your dinner and dessert put together.
- Alcohol not only has empty calories, drinking it makes it easier to say yes to that second helping of dinner, and dessert.
- When out shopping, so long as it is safe, park further away from the store so you can get more of a walk in.
- Find healthy versions of your holiday favorites.
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