Family Fitness Now

The holiday season is a time to celebrate with family and friends. Be aware when you see all of the colorful foods in front of you and witnessing family over eating. Unfortunately, for many it becomes an excuse to over indulge because nearly everyone talks about a weight loss resolution plan in January. The holidays don't have to mean weight gain. So for this year lets focus on a healthy balance of food, activity, and fun. By implementing a few simple tips you can stay healthy through the holiday season and they are as follows:

FFN Nine Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

1. Be realistic. Don’t try to lose pounds during the holidays, instead try to maintain your current weight. Join an exercise group or get a fitness plan for free at Family Fitness Now.
2. Try 10- or 15-minute brisk walks twice a day.
3. Don’t skip meals. Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge.
4. Survey party buffets before filling your plate. Choose your favorite foods and skip your least favorite. Include vegetables and fruits to keep your plate balanced.
5. Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed. Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, and enjoy.
6. Be careful with beverages. Alcohol can lessen inhibitions and induce overeating; non-alcoholic beverages can be full of calories and sugar.
7. Drink lots of water through out the day before you attend a family function!
8. Take the focus off food. Turn candy and cookie making time into non-edible projects like making wreaths, dough art decorations or a gingerbread house. Plan group activities with family and friends that aren’t all about food. Try serving a holiday meal to the community, playing games or going on a walking tour of decorated homes.
9. Bring your own healthy dish to a holiday gathering. This leads to a healthy discussion.

Bad Holiday Habit: Stressing Out
Stay-Well Solution: Trim your to-do list; many tasks are small enough to drop or delegate. If the apple pie is from the bakery instead of homemade, no one will care. Shifting your focus away from yourself helps neutralize stress too. Enlist the kids to round up canned goods to bring to a food pantry. It sets a great example for your family and makes you feel good.

Bad Holiday Habit: Skipping the Gym
Stay-Well Solution: You don't have to be a compulsive gym-goer to burn calories. If you can't maintain your usual regimen now, walk a little more--take an extra lap around the mall during your holiday shopping. Or do ten minutes of strength-training at home. There are all kinds of in home workouts on the internet.

Bad Holiday Habit: Not participating in moderation
Stay-Well Solution: It's true when we see all the holiday foods we tend to forget about moderation. So we can over come this by talking with family and friends about your holiday strategy to avoid over eating. Family and friends will support you during the holiday season.