 |
 |
|
 |
 |
|
||||
DIET & NUTRITION FOR BELLY FAT LOSS
How to Avoid Holiday Weight GainThe holiday season is upon us, with all the cookies, cakes, hot chocolate and eggnog appearing on every available surface. This time of year, many of us are most prone to weight gain. This time of year is always challenging for those trying to lose belly fat. Fresh fruits and vegetables are harder to come by and more expensive when they are found. Running or exercising outdoors is often a no go unless you want to come back looking like Frosty the Snowman. Even getting to the gym can be a hassle when the days grow short and the roads get icy. Holiday parties only add to the danger, offering endless treats that can fatten you up to Kris Kringle proportions in no time. Despite all of these holiday handicaps, the most wonderful time of the year doesn’t have to crash your diet or stall your fitness program. Keeping your momentum comes down to three M’s: Moderation, Motivation, and Maintenance, which can help prevent holiday weight gain.  ModerationThe holidays are meant to be enjoyed, so grab some gingerbread cookies and swill some eggnog, but just make sure you don’t go overboard.Christmas season is often a minefield of calorie-dense, nutritionally-vacant treats. Stay on your guard. At large gatherings or holiday parties take small portions of desserts and eat slowly so you can savor the taste and allow your stomach to let your brain know when you’re full. This goes for alcohol as well. Remember to sip and to drink water between refills. Don’t be that guy who ends up with the lampshade on his head at the co-worker’s party. Moderation doesn’t mean withholding yourself from all the pleasures of the holidays. It just means learning to gain enjoyment from less. After all, the true meaning of the holidays is not about gluttony. Rather, the holidays helps us renew relationships with friends and family. MotivationHolidays can easily distract you from your goals. Buying presents, decorating, traveling or hosting family can throw you out of your routine or steal away the time you set aside for working out.Keep your health and fitness goals top of mind. Write them on index cards and post them where you are sure to see them (on the bathroom mirror, refrigerator or even the ceiling of your bedroom). Post calendar reminders to attend an exercise class or to make a big salad over the weekend that you can portion out for lunch next week. Do whatever it takes to keep yours goals alive and thriving through the holidays. If you can make it to the gym now, think of how much easier it will be without a foot of snow on the ground, your kids out of school and three holiday parties to attend this week. MaintenanceSometimes the best thing to do during the holiday season is just concentrate on maintaining your current health and fitness successes. With so much to do this time of year, it might be overwhelming to try and cut down your mile time or lose another five pounds.Give yourself a little break and just focus on not letting the holiday season push you back. If you are currently going to the gym three times a week – keep it up. Step on the scale each week and make sure that needle isn’t creeping up. If you can maintain all the gains you worked to achieve throughout the year, you will be perfectly positioned to spring into the new year with a whole lot of momentum. Best Holiday Wishes, Your Friends at Belly Shape Up |
|
|||||