Eat Right Tips For The Holiday Season

The Holidays, most of us love the mere mention of the word.  It’s a time of joy, reunions with family and friends, celebration and great comforting food.  We begin to celebrate in October then that carries on through December, but oh, wait there is still New Years along with Valentines that equals to 5 months of wonderful, delectable, incredible celebration of FOOD!

Many of us will gain weight during this season; many will fall into behaviors that, if not careful, can turn into lifetime habits.  Oh, yes there is that “New Year’s Resolution” but statistics show that by the end of the first year that only 10% stick to it.  So realistically the odds are not stacked in our favor, or are they?

As a Believer and a former obese person, I know there is hope.  The hope rest in Gods strength first, then coming to a decision that we will fall in obedience under God NO MATTER WHAT!  The holidays can now be a time of renewal, true hope and a new start.  Don’t wait for January and become a statistic.  Decide TODAY that this is the day that change is coming.  You’re worth it!  It’s not impossible and it’s not hopeless for “We can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us” Phil. 4:13.

There are steps that you can take during this season to avoid the traps of over-eating and weight gain. 

1.  Moderation is the key for any weight management.    Treat yourself with ¼ of the cheesecake and not the whole slice. 
2. Chose a dessert plate over a dinner plate and you will eat less.Smaller plate equals smaller portions & avoid going for seconds. 
3. Never go to a holiday party hungry.  Grab a handful of almonds, have protein shake before you leave.  You will find that over indulgence is minimal.
4. Be aware of your surroundings.  Those wonderful appetizers go so easily in the mouth and before you realize it you have just ate 2 days worth of calories and you haven’t even gotten to dinner.
5. Choose lean proteins and vegetables over heavy starchy foods and sweets.
6. Limit alcohol consumption.  Empty calories.  1 beer can equal out to 100 calories or more.  1 martini w/ olive is 184 calories.
7. Never go hungry.  Skipping meals to prevent gaining weight is destructive. You will find that you will gorge on the next meal because you’re famished.  Eat 5-6 small meals a day.  This will also keep your metabolism up as well. 
8. Exercise.    It’s simple math, calories in versus calories out.  If you’re taking in more calories than you burn then that can add to weight gain.  If you don’t exercise, start today.  Find something you love to do.  Walking, jogging, martial arts, Pilates etc. Exercise is a great stress reliever.  Exercising as little as 20 minutes a day releases endorphins, the “feel good” hormones.

 

Take the time to do good for you!  Enjoy the season without the guilt and know that God has equipped you with the fruits of the spirit and one of those is self control (Galatians 5:22-23). Take time to remember what the season is truly about… celebrating our Lord and Savior.  He has called us to “Present our bodies as a holy, living sacrifice acceptable to God, which our spiritual service of worship” Romans 12:1.

 

—Chandra Bowerman

Chandra is a BTFA Certified Personal Trainer, Beach Body Coach and Advocare Nutrition Advisor.  You can learn more about boot camp, nutrition, weight loss and more at: www.revolutionfitnessbychandra.com