While the holiday season is magical and fun, it can also be a stressful time for many as delicious feasts and foods can lead to weight gain. Fitness professionals at Best Fitness, with locations throughout the Northeast region, encourage nutrition mindfulness and they hope that everyone keeps moving through exercises they enjoy. Best Fitness provides their ideas on how to keep things in check this season and forgo the average of 4,500 in calories consumed on holidays.
According to a study in the New England Journal of Medicine, Americans only gain approximately a pound or two during the period between Thanksgiving and the New Year. Even though this doesn’t sound like a lot, the study also found that the subjects did not lose that extra weight. Over the years, those extra pounds continued to add up. This is why fitness professionals believe it’s important to try to stay on top of your health all year round.
However, Director of Group Training Rob Wood doesn’t want anyone to stress too much this time of year. “Don’t stress about nutrition! Unless you are preparing for a body building show or have to drop weight for a very specific time, relax and enjoy the holidays. Stress can create triggers that cause you to overeat or eat aimlessly. Don’t let eating be one of those stressors this holiday season. You can be mindful and make smart choices,” he said.
Rob Wood’s Best Fitness Tips For Staying Healthy Through the Holidays:
- Get active! Nothing helps wipe away the guilt of a big meal better than a great workout! There are loads of turkey trots and jingle bell 5k’s this time of year. Spend time with friends and family burning some calories before the holiday festivities or make sure to gobble up a spot in your favorite class at the gym that morning.
- Try not to let the holiday meals last three days! If hosting, buy some plastic to-go containers and make sure everyone leaves with some leftovers so you’re not tempted to eat extra over the few days that follow the holiday. If you’re a guest, bring a healthy veggie option to the party like roasted butternut squash or roasted artichokes. When leaving, load up on the protein and vegetable leftovers.
- Kick the habit of showing up hungry only to overdo it on appetizers. Prepare a good healthy snack and eat 30 minutes to an hour before you leave your home. If you’re already somewhat full you can forgo the extra appetizers and eat a smaller meal.
- At dinner, fill you plate with vegetables first. Fill half your plate with salad and veggies then protein and finally, carbohydrates. This goes for any day, but it’s super helpful when you know you want to save room for holiday desserts!
- Eat slowly and enjoy the meal. Put your fork down after each bite. Talk with your friends and family and slow the meal down. Eating slower allows the body’s satiety, or feeling of fullness, to set in. This is a great way to feel too full for a second helping!
For more information, visit http://www.bestfitness.net.