Surviving the Holiday Season

I'm sitting here in Ohio with my family drinking a Dunkin' Donuts hot chocolate, which is so delicious, but so unhealthy.  It got me thinking about the holiday season and how studies show that the average person could gain up to 5 pounds during this time of year.  If you are of "normal" weight, your number is generally smaller than those who are already over weight who have a larger weight gain.  I fall into the later category and I think this is the case because we have a slower metabolic rate that causes us to gain weight quicker no matter what time of year we eat more than we should.  The scary part for both categories is that the average person who gains weight during the holiday season doesn't loose that weight so each of those pounds adds up over the years.  I know what all of you are thinking...how can we avoid this weight gain or if we do gain a little how can we make sure we get it off before the next holiday season?  I'll give you a few tips that I need to follow myself or I could be in trouble once the new year comes.

1.  Enjoy the holiday treats, but don't go over board.  You don't want to deprive yourself of your favorite treats or you will end up giving in and eating more than you would have eaten if you would have just had one reasonable serving when it was first offered to you. 

2. Stay on your workout schedule throughout the holidays.  I know this time of a year is full of holiday parties and time with family, but try and get in your workouts.  They may be different because you are traveling, but you can always get out for a walk or jog and do some body weight exercise such as pushups, squats, lunges, triceps dips, planks, or crunches.  As long as you keep moving, you will feel better about yourself and keep your weight gain at a minimum or none at all.  We're going to play some Kinect tonight for some fun family workout fun!

3. When you aren't eating at a party or family event, stick to your healthy eating plan.  Don't say, "Since I went off my diet at Thanksgiving, I might as well wait until the new year to get back on track."  One day off track doesn't ruin what you have worked so long and hard to achieve.  If you get off track, don't feel guilty.  Start fresh on your next meal and all will be fine.

I hope these 3 tips will help get you through the next month and I do plan on following my own advice...I promise!  Enjoy this Thanksgiving with your family and feel free to share any tips in the comment section that helps you get through this time of year.  I know I could definitely use any help I can get!

Many Types of Families

A family is one of the most important pieces of a successful fitness program.  Deciding to change the way you think about food and exercise is where the journey starts.  Having a support system who can go through the journey with you is just as important.  You need someone to share in your excitement when you reach your goals and talk through the challenges you will face.  Some may be lucky to have a built in support system at home who are there during the ups and downs.  Others may not be as lucky.  This post is going to outline four non-traditional families you can lean on during your journey.

1.  Friends like Family - You may choose to start your journey with a friend.  The two of you can plan times to meet up for some exercise or get together to cook healthy meals.  A friend who has committed to the same lifestyle change is the perfect person to share the joys and challenges you will come upon throughout your journey. 

2. Gym Family - Did you decided to join a gym, but no one in your life would take the plunge with you?  No worries!  You will have a gym full of others just like you!  Attend a group exercise class and after a few classes you will find others who enjoy the same class.  Or join a personal training group.  Ask a trainer to group you with others at a similar fitness level.  You will become fast friends as your trainer is making you sweat!

3. Work Family - Do you find yourself chatting with your co-workers at lunch about how you want to start exercising?  Why not get a group together during your lunch hour to take a walk around the building?  Make it an office challenge.  See who can get out and walk at least 3 times a week.  After a month, those who completed the challenge celebrate with a lunchtime potluck where everyone brings in a healthy dish to share.  Don't forget to bring a recipe card for everyone!

4. Online Family - With the internet craze, you will be amazed at how many websites are out there for those who are looking for a support system.  A few of my favorites are www.sparkpeople.com, www.jillianmichaels.com, and www.livestrong.com.  Here you will find others who are at all different stages of their weight loss journeys.  You will be amazed at what you will learn from people all over the world.  You may even find a new fitness buddy who lives in the same town as you!

Just remember that there is always someone out there who is going through a similar journey as yourself.  You just need to find them!  Good luck finding your "fitness" family!