Samantha Taylor
Pure Health & Fitness Studios
I do love the feel of the holidays, but we all know along with them come lots of savory foods that we don’t always have access to, hence our mind tends to justify eating them in excess. The problem is, it’s not just one meal, it’s a lot of different meals, parties, and pastries that people seem to always bring out during the holidays, especially in the workplace.
I decided years ago that I was not going to let myself use the holidays as an excuse to gorge and become plump like a stuffed turkey. Personally, my biggest challenge used to be with sugar, and during this last month of the year, there are temptations everywhere. I can say I haven’t had sugar in over two years (I set a goal to get off it for three months for my 40th birthday and I felt so great I just kept going!).
Here are five main tips to help you enjoy this month without expanding your waistline (that way you can get smaller size pants for Christmas instead of needing larger ones!).
1) Know that you have a mind, will, and intellect that can decide not to partake in every little fancy food that makes its way across your path. Just because it’s there doesn’t mean you have to eat it. A dog acts on impulse and just scarfs down whatever is there. You are not a dog, you can make wise decisions for the outcome you want and not just act on impulse.
2) Have balance – enjoy some foods and some say, “Not today.” This can cut down on 50% of the calories you would normally consume at this time.
3) Make sure you exercise at least four times a week. With the extra holiday foods, if you exercise, you at least won’t gain. Of course if you have weight to lose, losing this month at least a few pounds is a better goal. However, it’s also a great accomplishment to not gain weight this month either.
4) When going to an event, fill up first on protein, fat, veggies, and nuts to resist eating the starchy carbohydrate foods.
5) Fill up on a glass of water or snack on some nuts or salad before you go to a party or dinner. That way, you aren’t starving when you get there. We tend to make worse choices when we are starving. I have learned not to put myself in that position.
Eating healthy can be delicious when you know how to eat, so get some amazing Christmas cookie recipes and desserts the healthy delicious way on our website. Also be thinking about the new year, and keep us in mind to help you get healthy and fit. Samantha Taylor Fitness won the Small Business of the Year Award last year, and we have helped over 5,000 women in this community while growing into three locations: Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, and our newest location in Carrollwood with up to 50% off in pre-sales opening in December.
We give you a nutrition plan, 30 minute workouts in a private studio for women, and accountability. Check out the episodes of our TV segment on ABC’s “Morning Blend.” You can see these monthly episodes on our website at www.purehealthstudios.com.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas!