Holiday survival - YOU CAN DO THIS!

This month as the holidays begin, our schedules tend to get filled with holiday activities and of course the delicious calorie laden food that goes along with it.  In fact did you know that according to research from the Calorie Control Council, the average American may consume more than 4,500 calories and a whopping 229 grams of fat from snacking and eating a traditional holiday dinner with turkey and all the trimmings?  UGH!  As a personal trainer, it makes me cringe to think of all the people who will skip that much needed trip to the gym and then overindulge not just one day – but for several days in a row!  So, here are just a few tips to help you survive.  
 1)  Drink plenty of water!  Drink it before you eat, and during your meal too.  Remember beverages have calories, too – so if you must have one, do so, have just one!
2)  Take smaller portions than you normally would.  I know this seems silly, but if you are having a meal with more options than usual – chances are you don’t need as much as if you were eating a regular meal.   Your plate will probably be full anyway! 
3)  Eat slowly.  Don’t gulp down your mashed potatoes without thinking.  Actually, taste and enjoy your food and the people you are enjoying your feast with.
4)  Take a walk!  There’s no law against fitness on the holidays!  You can get up and go to the gym, or make it a family tradition and just get everyone outside playing football or taking a quick walk!  Get rid of some of those excess calories, and relieve some stress (which we experience at many holiday gatherings).  Move it!
5)  You can have dessert,  just remember to downsize it a bit – you don’t need a gigantic piece of pie and a huge piece of cake and some of those chocolate covered whatevers.  Take control, take smaller portions, ask for one bite of the chocolate whatevers – so you get to enjoy it without all of the guilt.
6)  Enjoy those around you.  Life is a gift so take time out to be thankful, take your eyes off of yourself for a little while and show extra TLC to your loved ones.  
7)  Get back on track with your clean eating as soon as possible!  We all know Christmas is just around the corner with more indulgences, so keep a healthy balance - choose wisely and keep your exercise on track! 

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