Most of the country is experiencing cooler temperatures, shorter days and pumpkin-spiced everything. Beautiful leaves clutter the ground and new fall fashions have arrived at your favorite retailers. Fall is here, folks and I’m happy about it!
Fall is my favorite time of the year, mainly for the clothing. Sweaters, boots and tights fill up my closets, keeping me warm, cozy and covered. Yep- covered. Unlike summer, fall wardrobe keeps me from showing my silhouette or bare limbs and therefore, I don’t always think twice about eating that extra cookie at the office or indulging in that cheesy snack during the department potluck.
After one too many indulgences, next thing you know, you’ve put on that dreaded holiday weight and have to start a new dieting or fitness plan in January to get back into your hot-girl jeans.
It’s a cycle I know too well. But, there’s hope!
Here are some clear and practical tips to keep you from piling on the pounds this holiday season:
- Plan Ahead – Nobody wants to have FOMO during holiday happy hours, potlucks and parties. Therefore, put upcoming events on your calendar and on days you know there might be options to indulge, ensure you get in an impactful workout, eat a lighter lunch or skim the potluck sign-up list ahead of time so you can set your sights on some home-baked favorites.
- Ask Yourself: “Is this worth the calories?” – This question has saved me and many a co-worker from eating Sarah’s homemade dip that she swears is the best thing ever. In reality, it’s not. If you are going to eat some calories, let it be on Carol’s salted caramel chocolate chip cookies, am I right? Choose some faves and make it worth your while and the caloric intake.
- Keep Your Pants On – Some of us prefer to spend most of our days in workout pants, over-sized sweats or house dresses (don’t act like you don’t have a muumuu to wear!). While completely comfortable, our waistline and hips can easily expand without conscious awareness. If you keep on your high-waist pants or your favorite skinny jeans, you’ll be more aware of your eating and possible discomfort in some of your favorite styles. As shallow as it may seem, it works! You’ll look and feel your best if you can consistently fit into your favorite jeans year-round.
- Take the Healthy Snack – Potlucks and holiday parties are back-to-back-to-back. To ensure you don’t consume tons of fat and sugar, volunteer to be the one who includes a healthy snack. Then, eat it! You can hover over the fruit and vegetable tray instead of the chips and cheese tray. Your body will thank you later!
- Stick to Your Workout Routine – While you can’t outrun an unhealthy diet, it will keep the pounds from piling on too quickly if you plan to enjoy more cookies than normal. When working out consistently, you are more conscious of the importance of properly fueling your body. You also stay active and won’t have to create a brand-new fitness routine come January.
These may not be the tips that your local trainer at the gym may provide but these are reasonable ways to avoid becoming a holiday heavyweight.
Happy ThanksChristHoliNew Year’s!
