By Samantha Taylor
I know it’s been a tough year and many have put on over 15 lbs. with the stress of it, so I encourage you to not keep that pattern going. 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. So 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 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 gain the average 5 lbs. Personally, my biggest challenge used to be with sugar, and during this last month of the year, there are temptations everywhere. Also keep in mind that eating too much sugar can highly affect your immune system and with everything going on, we need to have as strong of an immune system as possible!
Here are 5 main tips to help you enjoy this month without expanding your waistline—that way you can get a smaller size pants for Christmas instead of needing larger ones!
1) 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. You can make wise decisions and not just act on impulse. This does take practice, that’s for sure!
2) Have balance – enjoy some foods and for some say, “Not this time.” This can cut down on 50% of the calories you would normally consume at this time.
3) Make sure you exercise at least 4 times a week. With the extra holiday foods, if you exercise, you at least lower your chance of gaining. Of course, if you have weight to lose, losing a few pounds this month is a better goal. However, it’s a great accomplishment to not gain weight this month, too.
4) When going to a get together, fill up first on protein, fat, veggies, and nuts to resist eating the starchy carbohydrate or sugar-filled 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 can 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. Get some delicious sugar-free Christmas cookie recipes and desserts on our website. Also, be thinking about the new year and keep us in mind to help you get healthy and fit. We are in Palm Harbor, Carrollwood, Wesley Chapel, and Land O Lakes.
We give you a delicious meal plan with recipes, 30-minute workouts in a private studio for women with plenty of room to socially distance. Go to our website to book your free consultation (those that get started in December, we have a HUGE special for you) at www.SamanthaTaylorFitness.com.
I hope you have a Merry Christmas! This is the time of year, many people will go to church if you invite them, so think of someone you could invite to church. Christmas is certainly a time to connect with family and friends and many celebrate the birth of Christ. Perhaps strengthen your relationship with Him by reading the Bible 10 minutes a day. It’s such amazing book filled with wisdom. If you don’t know of Him, perhaps pray and ask Him into your life. Maybe that’s why you saw this article. : )
Read more Samantha Taylor articles here.