“The two biggest sellers in any bookstore are the cookbooks and the diet books. The cookbooks tell you how to prepare the food and the diet books tell you how not to eat any of it”.
Andy Rooney

With the holiday season in full gear, many of us will indeed be out buying books- always a great gift. Another thing that many of us will predictably do is pack on a few unwanted, unneeded pounds.

There is a popular myth that most Americans will gain 5–10 lbs over the holiday season. Recent research has shed some light that may help you shed some pounds, rather than gain, this holiday season.

Scientists have recently found that most of us actually gain only about 1 lb between Thanksgiving and New Years. Before you celebrate and reach for the eggnog, consider that fact that most who gain do not lose that pound or so, and over the years they do add up leading to an expanding waistline. Those who are already overweight or obese are more likely to pack on even more holiday pounds, making their situation worse. Only about 10% of us will gain more than 5 lbs.

Researchers also found that those who were most active were less likely to beef up, again underscoring the importance of exercise in weight control. Also, those who reported being “less hungry” were less likely to gain weight.

I am convinced that you can enjoy the holidays, including many of the wonderful foods, without packing on unwanted, and rarely lost, pounds. Here are some strategies that really work in beating the holiday weight gain game:

• Stay active – Exercise everyday. In recent studies those who were most active were least likely to gain weight. This is especially important if you are adding extra daily calories.
• Eat a good high quality breakfast – Breakfast is the “pace-car” for your daily metabolism. Individuals who regularly eat breakfast tend to be thinner and also consume less calories later in the day. Oatmeal or a high grain cereal with bananas is a great start.
• Don’t skip meals or starve yourself – So many try to “undereat” during the day especially if there is a holiday party later-the result is party overeating, especially high calorie, high fat foods. Instead, eat healthier, low calorie meals during the day (try a low fat yogurt with granola and an apple). At the party, start with some veggies or salad to fill you up a little before hitting the buffet table.
• Water water everywhere – Drink 8-10 glasses of water a day and totally skip the sodas especially if you planning other sweets at dessert time.
• Limit you alcohol intact – Also avoid the higher calorie alcoholic beverages like eggnog. Again, drink lots of water.
• Be a “picky eater” – Your food choices will make or break your success. Do eat, but be smart about it.
• Portion control – Moderation is the key to enjoying the many tasty holiday foods and snacks. Be mindful about both the quality and quantity of the foods you are eating. Remember, “a minute on your lips, a lifetime on your hips”.
• Join a gym – Ask Santa for a gym membership, or give one to someone you love. Better yet, go together. It’s a gift of health that can last a lifetime.

With a little bit of planning and touch of will power you can easily get to the New Year feeling good about yourself and how you have taken steps to improve your heal

FitTip

Plan ahead for both a happy and healthy holiday season.

“May all your troubles last as long as your New Year’s resolutions”
Joey Adams

New Year’s resolutions. Most people make em, most people break em- usually in a month or so. If they were that easy to keep, we would all look as good as the eternally youthful Dick Clark (RIP) once looked for so many years as he usherd in each passing New Year. So is it even worth the trouble to make these wishful resolutions? Absolutely!

The only way to improve yourself, physically, emotionally or spiritually is to have a vision of what you want to be. Any successful, high achiever will tell you that it all starts with a thought, a dream. Your New Year’s resolutions are exactly that. Add some motivation, a plan, and a little bit of will power and you can reach these goals. Most New Year’s Resolutions involve health habits such as losing weight, exercising more, or giving up some nasty habits, but really can involve anything from education and inner-personal relations to shopping a little less or getting more organized. Fred Smith said it right when he surmised that “your New Year’s resolutions are your last year’s confessions”.

So make your resolutions and don’t worry if you fall off the wagon real soon. The important thing is to get right back on track. Also don’t just wait for New Years to set goals for yourself. I like going through the process three times a year- New Years, springtime, and in the fall. All, times of change.

Before you ring out the old you, stop a moment and think about what is really important to change about yourself, that will make you a happier, healthier, better you. Also, to help insure your success try the following:

• Set both reasonable and reachable goals.
• Write your goals down and keep them where you can see them often.
• Enlist a friend and help each other stay the course.
• Check your progress regularly and be willing to modify your goals rather than abandon them.
• Don’t panic if you slip, just get up and try again.
• Reward yourself when you see some progress.

Also, if you really want to positively impact your life, make a resolution that involves you helping others.

You can even have some fun with your resolutions. There are apps that can help keep you focused and on task. My personal favorite, that can absolutely have you eating better and exercising more, is MyFitnessPal @MyFitnessPal. Also, best-selling author (Reality is Broken) Jane McGonigal’s ‘SuperBetter’ app can motivate you and help you stay on track to reach any of your health and fitness goals/resolutions superbetter.com  @SuperBetter.

FitTip

Make your list, check it twice. It’s all up to you…naughty or nice?