Fitness tips for the holidays

We all have seen that our weight goes up during the holidays. While previous research had shown that we were putting on several pounds during the 5 weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year, new research shows that actual number is much lower - just one pound.

While that is some good news, but the bad news is that most people retain that pound of flesh for the rest of their lives. And the next thing you know is that if you keep accumulating just one pound a year for 20 years, you are now a perfect example of someone who is clearly overweight, if not obese.

And when we are gobbling all those delicious cookies and cakes, we are also thinking about our New Year resolution to go on a diet. The sad reality is that we rarely manage to stay on that diet. And the extra weight just stays like that. And those of us who are a bit more careless, we might gain additional pounds by not eating right or not exercising regularly.

So what can you do to keep your weight under control during the holidays?

Watch how much you eat and drink. In other words, even the most unhealthy cake is fine to eat as long as you eat a small piece and do it occasionally. Just because it is delicious or you end up liking it too much, you do not have to eat more of it. Why not ask the host for the recipe instead so that you can make it later yourself?

Eat only when you are hungry and what you like. Just because there is food available (sometimes for free), it does not mean that you should eat it. At parties, eat just enough not to offend the host or the cook. It is best to eat only those foods that are very special for you and you will truly enjoy eating them.

Never overeat at parties. Indeed parties are about trying new dishes and having a good time, but you can have a great time at a party by trying to meet new people, engage in interesting converstaions, and dancing. In other words, think of eating as a secondary activity. So before you leave for a party, eat a healthy snack so that you are not starved when you arrive. For the same reason, do not drink too much at a party. Specifically, stay away from cocktails. Choose a glass of wine (or mineral water).

Do not forget to workout regularly, particularly after a long night of partying. It will not only help you get over a hangover, get rid of those puffy eyes, but also help you burn those extra calories.

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