Did you know the average American gains 5-7 pounds every year between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day? That equates to ingesting at least 17,500 more calories than you burn on a daily basis during that time period. At a minimum, that equals nearly 500 extra calories per day on average over that stretch of days.
Usually, the added weight comes in fancy cookie trays or creatively decorated gift baskets from clients, friends and family. The sound of Christmas music and arrival of cold weather encourage us to partake of traditional holiday fare and simply move less. This combination leads to tighter fitting pants and feeling sluggish.
Now is the time to fight back! Don't wait to start your exercise program after the New Year begins. Initiate better exercise and eating habits now, because the weight is always harder to take off compared to preventing the gain beforehand. See the list below for tips on staying trim during this holiday season.
1. Perform strength training workouts at least 3 times per week.
2. Build in extra cardiovascular training if you decide to stray from your normal eating patterns to offset the extra calories.
3. Limit alcohol consumption as it will cloud your eating judgment and predisposes you to cravings and overeating.
4. Limit the number of holiday parties you attend.
5. Eat a small nutritious and fibrous snack prior to arriving at holiday parties. This way you will eat less because your stomach will feel full faster.
6. Do not buy holiday snacks for your house. If it is available, you will graze all day long without even noticing.
7. Plan events such as the Jingle Bell Run that keep you focused on training and exercise amidst the hustle and bustle.
8. Try to limit eating out when possible. With shopping, it becomes easy to dine out and partake in heavier foods and desserts.
9. Go to bed early or on time. Studies suggest that getting too little sleep will affect metabolism and prompt late night eating.
10. While at the mall, take additional time to walk after your shopping is finished.
Brian Schiff, PT, CSCS, is a respected author, physical therapist and fitness expert. You can sign-up for his free online newsletter @ http://www.thefitnessedge.cc.
Copyright ? 2004 Brian Schiff
efficient cleaning crew Northbrook ..Eating healthy and taking care of yourself is essential to... Read More
Many people use sugar as medicine. Sugar tends to change... Read More
Okay, so you think you are doing pretty well with... Read More
Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More
Being vegetarian is one of the greatest things in the... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
"It is a bone-deep change you are going into, my... Read More
Arthritis - if you suffer from this illness, I don't... Read More
There are basically four major components, or essential molecular components... Read More
While there are many effective ways to get more energy... Read More
Fats have been unfairly lumped together as being all bad... Read More
The word herb is used to refer to any part... Read More
Since Dr Basant Puri, a consultant psychiatrist and senior lecturer... Read More
So, what is new about this that you already don't... Read More
AgingHow did aging appeared?If mechanism of Death was chosen by... Read More
You are a mineral bodyEvery part of you is made... Read More
Weight loss plans are almost always trying to get you... Read More
On average 30% of foods in our daily diet are... Read More
The best weight training and cardio workouts will do very... Read More
1. Look for high quality, crystalline, free-form, amino acids (AAs)... Read More
Some experts consider carbohydrate craving and addiction as something more... Read More
Do you know your ph? By getting ph strips at... Read More
"You are what you eat."Does it sound familiar? You probably... Read More
Are you worried yet about your health? Are you anxious... Read More
I start from the premise that eating instinctively means eating... Read More
cleaning lady near Wilmette ..Nutrition usually only comes up when people are finally deciding... Read More
Students might start thinking a little differently, once they learn... Read More
Most of us are "regular" people. We don't eat the... Read More
The research in support of dietary omega-3 fatty acids (such... Read More
If you or someone you know suffers from rheumatoid arthritis,... Read More
For all I prefer to buy my fresh produce at... Read More
Sprouts not only taste good, but they are also a... Read More
Biological clockObviously you need biological clock to time and alarm... Read More
Today's tip is on hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).Hypoglycemia affects both... Read More
OK, no more excuses. Here's how to stop making everyone... Read More
The topic of nutrition is one that is always present... Read More
This is usually the forgotten element of most mass programs.... Read More
When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More
Everyone can benefit from understanding how food affects our... Read More
Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More
How many times have you tried to diet/lose weight in... Read More
In parts 1-4 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
In parts 1-6 of this series of articles titled "Take... Read More
If you have a business trip tomorrow morning, you've probably... Read More
Sugar intake is a real concern for people who've had... Read More
THE RISKNo doubt you've heard of the increasingly popular "raw... Read More
Glowing skin comes free of charge to you. Our simple... Read More
During the Second World War, the Germans used fluoride as... Read More
The story of creation begins with water. Water is an... Read More
People want to get the very best they can when... Read More
Nutrition |