My Insider Secrets to Avoiding Holiday Weight Gain

Today is the beginning of November and you know what’s coming around the corner. Yep, Thanksgiving and Christmas — the biggest eating holidays of the year.

This year I am determined to stay one step ahead of the game and I’m going to share with you my insider tricks of the trade.

November starts the whirlwind for me. See, I love the holidays. I love the decorations, the smells and yes the food too.

So, this month is when I start dreaming of Christmas. Deciding on the family Christmas card photo [this year I think it's going to be a picture from our Disney trip]. Staying on top of all of the school holiday events and outings. Thinking of how I’m going to decorate the house in a different way, and the list goes on.

So, you’ll be hearing a lot from me in the next two months because I get soo excited.

The thing that can’t get lost in the shuffle is your desire to be healthy and fit.

Unless you’re a highly motivated mom with great will power, great focus, and little to no interruptions, starting a health and fitness plan at this time of the year can be quite daunting.

So, I’m going to give you some real easy tips that will have you feeling good about yourself this holiday season and to allow you to mentally gear up for that big, all out, leaping without a safety net commitment that you are going to make in January.

TIP #1: THE SAMPLE PLATE

During the holidays I eat just about everything at the table. Really I do. But I do it mindfully by making a sampler plate. You’ve seen those sampler appetizers that they serve at restaurants that give you a small portion of a number of items? Well, I give myself permission to eat whatever catches my eye by creating my own sampler plate.

I put a very small portion of the things I want on my plate to give me a taste of everything. It satisfies my need to taste particular foods without going overboard. Seconds, however, are off the table. Try a little bit of everything you like, but no seconds. Feel free to make a small dessert sampler as well.

TIP #2: MAKE OR BRING YOUR GUILT-FREE DISH

(photo: Sunset.com. photographer, James Baigrie; Styling, Randy Mon)

I usually don’t cook, but I take a dish to a relative’s house where the whole family is gathered. I take a dish that tastes great and is good for me. It’s often hard to find even one healthy dish in the Thanksgiving or Christmas spread, so make sure you bring one.

It’s really easy to do and it doesn’t matter if no one else wants to try it. That’s on them. You will know that you brought a delicious dish that’s in line with the lifestyle that you are creating.

Throughout the next two months I will be sending you EASY recipes to choose from.

TIP #3: BE IN CONSTANT MOTION

(photo: Getty; Parentsconnect.com)

I make everything exercise. I ALWAYS run up the steps, two stairs at a time, or do squats and push-ups while I’m waiting for something to cook. I do lunges or arm raises while the kids are watching TV. “I get it in where ever I can fit it in.” Even bringing in the groceries becomes an Ironwoman event.

If you have little ones, I know you’re in constant motion too, just make your movements more intentional. If they want you to get on the floor and play, turn it into some form of exercise for yourself. Jump at the chance to go outside and play ball, because not only are you showing them that you are interested in the things that excite them, but you’re also getting your heart rate up and burning some fat.

Well, those are my top three, definite DOs for this holiday season.

Tags: tips, Weightloss