While studies show that most people put on an average of five pounds over the holidays, it can be avoided.
A good approach to the holiday season is to maintain and sustain your weight, which might sound easy but it isn't with so much temptation. Many view the holidays as fair game for indulgence. If you go this route you will find yourself in a pack of "resolutioners" fighting for a treadmill in January, and part of the "start-over club."
Think about fitness and good nutrition as a lifestyle and try to avoid stop/start fitness routines. When you are inconsistent, starting over again can feel tremendously difficult when it doesn't have to be that hard. Stick to your fitness plan and schedule festivities around it.
Be reasonable at the buffet table. Holidays are not an open ticket to "who cares, it's the holidays" because we know that deep down you do care.
Avoid resolution thinking: "I'll clean up my act in the New Year." Try to avoid all-or-nothing thinking because it is very hard to reel it in. Caring about your health should be top-of-mind daily, regardless of the time of year.
Have a fitness goal to complete just on the other side of New Year's, perhaps a January fun run? This will keep you motivated to train through the season and fuel your body appropriately.
Always offer to bring a dish to the party. When left to the organizers, you may find yourself surrounded by sausage rolls and cheese puffs. Like a good Girl Guide, be prepared.
Hold your ground with food pushers. You know who I am talking about: Aunt Martha who loves you with food. Practise your "No, thank you."
Manage your stress. As much as we like to think the holidays are full of joy for everyone, for many people the reality is it is very stressful. Family dynamics, finances and visit-overload can cause anxiety. Sticking to your fitness plan and other forms of stress management will be key for making it through the season.
Don't show up hungry. This is a big one. Have a healthy small meal or snack before attending any party. This will help you avoid going rogue on the seven-layered dip.
Know your facts: 3,500 extra calories within a week will result in one pound of weight gain. That is only 500 extra per day. When you are grazing at a party this isn't a hard number to reach. If you are making the wrong choices with cocktails and food, grazing can lead to a full day's worth of calories and may result in weight gain.
Limit your alcohol intake. Most alcoholic beverages are packed with sugars, and while one drink is fine around the holidays, many of us tend to go beyond. Hangovers breed dehydration and inactivity, and leave you craving fatty foods, so take it easy.
Weight management is all about maintaining a lifestyle. It doesn't matter what time of year it is, your health and feeling good should take priority.
Louise Green is a North Vancouver resident and founder and CEO of Body Exchange, a fitness and adventure company exclusively for plus-size clientele.
FIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS Louise Green offers tips to avoid weight gain this season.
