Treat season has officially arrived! And will continue all the way to Easter. Yay! Now I see where all that 135 lbs of sugar we consume a year comes from. Some of you probably don't have this love affair with Sugar. But, if I'm keeping it real myself, I do!!!!
So I need a plan of action...or do I? Do any of us? Come on, it's only 6 months out of a year. Life is too short, and don't we deserve to enjoy it? Enjoy the holidays. Milk them for all they're worth! Who's with me?! And no worries. Just make sure you stock up on sweatpants (a couples sizes too big. You need that extra room to grow!). They're a great way to hide those holiday rolls and cheese thighs. Nobody has to know ;) And if you're feeling a little anxious about what we're about to do, have no fear! I have 4 tricks (treats later!) that will help you enjoy this season guilt free!
TRICK #1:
On the day before the big party, don't eat anything. That way you can eat more that night! Just make sure you pack your pants with the expandable waistline. Even though fasting, then binging techniques are a surefire way to create excess bloating and then fat gain, you'll have the next 6 months to work it off!!
TRICK #2:
Since you're going to be "enjoying this holiday season to the fullest," why exercise? What's the point? Sure, you may be low on energy and feel blue sometimes, but hey! Cheer up! Just pop in a movie, put on those sweatpants, and enjoy a bowl of that carmel corn you've been craving but couldnt' have the first half of the year. You deserve it!
TRICK #3:
tivitiMake sure you have a weight loss plan in mind to jump on
right after the holidays; because no doubt with the amount of food
you're eating, and no exercise, we're talking about a double digit
weight gain. But did I say that was a problem?! Not at all! Because,
luckily your "bestie" lost 20 pounds last year in two weeks! On a 500
calorie a day diet. Sure, she's gained it all back. But, it worked,
didn't it? Who cares if she lost muscle, gained fat, and lowered her
metabolism. So what if these days she's practically starving herself to
lose weight, but gains instead. That's her deal. That won't happen to
you. Plus, all that matters is the here and now. You can't go back to
the "traditional" approach of balanced nutrition and exercise to lose
the weight. It takes too much time. And you've got to lose that weight
quickly so you can be skinny in time for the next round of holiday festivities!
TRICK #4:
If you really are feeling guilty with all the snicker bars, eggnog, holiday rolls, and cheesecake pumpkin pie you're consuming, maybe you DO need to exercise. But, one hour a day isn't going to cut it. Try 4! Minimal. I can't guarantee it'll keep the weight off. It might work for a little while, but then you'll hit the fatigue and "body eating muscle" stage and you'll notice an extra jelly roll around your midsection. But, it's OK, as long as it keeps that number down right? The only thing is, after the 6 months is up, you still have to workout 4 hours a day or you will gain weight. Even if you're just eating lettuce and tomato sandwiches. Yep! You'll screw up your metabolism and throw your hormones out of balance, but you'll have the next 6 months to reverse time!
So what do you think? Tricks that have been proven to work. OK.... You got me. My "helpful" tips are all tongue and cheek; but do I work at a health club and scary as it is know people that believe these are real solutions!
But, here's what I REALLY recommend:
1. Don't go to a party hungry. Have a small meal and two glasses of water right before you leave. Enjoy a small treat or two at the party. And, who knows, because you ate early, you probably won't be as tempted.
2. If you want to prevent holiday weight gain, you have to exercise. Simple as that. 60 minutes a day, 5 days a week. Include strength and cardio. Don't overdue it. Balance is key here.
3. There are going to be lots of sugary temptations this season. You need to plan ahead. Keep your bag or purse stocked with healthy snacks: pretzels, craisins, almonds, apples, carrots, crackers, or string cheese. Eat snacks throughout the day, preferrably every 2 to 3 hours. Remember, if you're not hungry, chances are you won't overeat.
4. Find someone you can be accountable to. This is huge! You're less likely to "slip" if you have to do a weekly weigh-in and report to someone. Also, myfitnesspal and Lose it are great apps to help you stay on top of your exercise and nutrition goals.
Any other tips? Would love to hear what works for you!
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