The Holiday Survival Comedy

Hey guys! I want to say thank you to everyone who read my first post! This is all so exciting! :) Well, as you can see the title of this blog is "The Holiday Survival Comedy". I say that as I chuckle to myself because I think about the internal fight to stay on track during this time of the year is truly quite comical. Don't think you guys are alone in this battle.......I struggle the same as you. I have the fitness angel on one side and fatty devil on the other screaming to take over!!

"You want to stay on track...

...but you know you want to eat 3 pieces of pie!"

"You don't want to feel like your going to explode...

...but it only comes around once a year!"

This can be very frustrating and if any of you have family like mine our sole focus around the Holidays is fooooooodddd!! Yummy, homemade food. It would be considered treason to pass up rolls made from scratch, sweet baked pies, and deep fried turkey!!! Yikes!!!!!!! That sounds like a couple pounds......however, my mouth is watering as I type this!

In continuing your focus during the Holidays let's go back to what I always say,

"Your diet needs to be a life style change and realistic."

You shouldn't expect to stay completely away from the holiday food entirely. Let's be real and just say it is going to happen. But, good news! There are great ways to still stay on track and enjoy some tasty treats during the holidays!! I didn't get this from a magazine or a health forum, just stuff that I find could be helpful and realistic! Check it out and print it out!

1. Make your portions small!! Only take the amount of a couple bites of each food item you want.
   
   
2. Bring a vegetable appetizer and munch a lot before the "big" meal on those yummy veggies.
   
   
3. Drink two glasses of room temperature water before you start your meal.
   
   
4. This will make you feel fuller and won't make your digestion system slow down as long as you keep the water warmer.
   
   
5. Use fat free whip cream for your pumpkin pie.
   
   
6. Avoid holiday cocktails. Every gram of alcohol equals 7 calories.
   
   
7. Work out 30+ minutes before your day starts (make sure it includes cardio)
   
   
8. Convince your family members to go on a short walk after your food settles! Great time to chat and enjoy the scenery.
   
   
9. Know your limits and don't make yourself miserable. Think about all the hard work you have been putting in.
   
   
10. Last but not least- have an accountability partner in your family. Let them know that you are trying to stay on track and want to keep your food under control. This is also a great time to update your family and friends what you have been doing in your exercise routine and the large strides you have been making!

I know we can do it guys!! If you mess up......it is OK!!! Just make up for it and get a hard workout in soon!! Let's stay strong through the next months so we can get a jump start on the new year! Join me and kick that little voice that sits on your shoulder that wants you to fail this holiday season!!!