Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

The Holiday season is here. This is the season I refer to as “weight gain” season. This time of year will bring ample opportunity for you to indulge, to enjoy and to expand your waistline. Of course, the choice is yours.

I have outlined some tips that will save you from unwanted holiday pounds:

· Obligate yourself to exercise. Promising yourself isn't enough; you need to promise to others so that you can be held accountable.
· Hire a personal trainer. Either in person or online. You'll get the attention and assistance that you need to power through the holidays in better shape than ever. Talk about motivating!
· Sign-up for an exercise class. Stick with something challenging that gets your heart rate elevated.
Find an exercise buddy. Either a friend or get your spouse involved. Decide on an exercise activity that you can both enjoy and set a schedule for your workout dates.
· Cut the fat. I'm not going to imply that you shouldn't indulge in any seasonal treats, just think in moderation. Decide on a few fattening treats to cut out this year.
· At holiday parties load your plate first with greens, vegetables, shrimp and lean meats before breads and heavier foods. Pick just one sweet and enjoy it slowly.
· Watch what you drink, most beverages are filled to the brim with calories. Hot drinks from coffee shops, cocktails and eggnog. They are very enjoyable but filled with empty calories.

You CAN truly enjoy the holidays without dealing with added pounds. The key is your mindset. Most people approach the holidays with the mindset that says 'I deserve to indulge and I shouldn't have to exercise since it's the holidays.' This is fine if you don't mind entering 2010 a few pounds heavier, a little less healthy, and with lower energy than ever before. I believe that you deserve better. I believe that you should enter 2010 in better shape than you are today, healthier than you've been in a long time, and with more energy that you thought possible.

Have a wonderful holiday season!