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You get caught up in the sparkling lights, the pretty snow, the shopping frenzy, and the fun of the holiday season. Suddenly you find that managing your weight and sticking to your exercise program easily slides down to the bottom of your priorities. After all, sampling sweet treats and browsing for the perfect gift can easily distract you from the treadmill.
But with a little bit of planning, you can move more in December—and watch the ball drop on December 31 knowing you don’t have to spend January undoing the damage you just did. Here's what to do.
Get moving.
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Food isn't always the enemy; lack of activity is. Remember calories in versus calories out. Hop on the treadmill during your favorite holiday TV shows (these 3 treadmill workouts blast serious calories). Park farther away at the mall and take the stairs with your packages. Better yet, get your workout done in the morning instead of being derailed by evening holiday hoopla.
Select healthy first.
Really stick to consuming your five fruits and vegetables each day—keeping nourished with healthy food helps avoid those excess sugar highs and energy lows that can make you tired and depressed.
Try the one-a-day program.
Limit yourself to one indulgence per day. Don't deprive yourself of all sugar for three days so you can pig out at the company holiday party. Be moderate in your thought process—one cookie, one candy, one eggnog—not one of everything all at once.
Control the risk for temptation.
Don't walk through the break room at work 10 times a day when you know it's filled with treats and candies. Don't place treats on your kitchen counter or on your coffee table to stare you in the face. Know yourself and your weaknesses so you can more easily avoid them.
Never go to a party hungry.
One of the worst things you can do is starve yourself before a holiday party in a misguided effort to save up your calories. The hungrier you are, the less capable you are of staying in control. Avoid the grazing mentality at parties: take a plate and fill it only once with appetizers. (Make these smart party food swaps to save on calories.)
Escape the couch.
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Step away from the living room, and invite family and friends to get active. Choose gifts that encourage venturing outdoors, such as sleds, skates, or snowshoes. Get out and power walk to see the neighborhood holiday lights.
Exercise in small bursts.
Break up your exercise throughout the day to reach 30 minutes per day. Try two 15-minute walks or a 30-minute shopping outing with some extra lifts of those packages you're carrying. (Check out these 25 easy ways to fit in 10 minutes of exercise.)
Be careful of liquid calories.
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Holidays are notorious for tempting us with drinks we wouldn't normally consume. Alcohol offers no nutrients, just empty calories. Eggnog coffee drinks with whipped cream, hot toddies, and spiced rum can have as many calories as a personal pan pizza! Opt instead for sparkling water with a splash of fruit juice of your choice, or stick to a small glass of wine.
Set your own limits.
Many times we eat foods or have seconds just to please the hostess or cook. Politely say "No thank you. Everything looks delicious, but I think I’ve reached my limit!"
Focus on socializing, not food.
Go to a party to socialize, not just eat. Use your energy making conversation rather than focusing on food. 'Tis the season for friends and family, after all, and conversation is calorie-free!
MORE: 5 Ways To Have A More Joyful Holiday
Fitness expert Chris Freytag is the author of Shortcuts to Big Weight Loss and Move to Lose. Read her blog for more healthy living tips, or check out her Prevention fitness DVDs.
