Act now to avoid holiday weight gain
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Quinn
"You don't seem excited" was the comment I made after reviewing Mrs. Jones' chart and noticing she'd lost 10 pounds since her last visit three months earlier.
I reviewed the chart, and reminded her we had discussed in great detail the importance of her losing weight before her next appointment. I further reviewed the chart and told her this was the most significant weight loss success she had achieved in the last year.
She was happy but had been unsuccessful every holiday season - not losing weight but actually gaining 10 to 15 pounds yearly.
She described it as a yearly cycle with pre-holiday weight loss and repeated holiday weight gain. Mrs. Jones said every year was filled with parties, family gatherings and other holiday functions all centered on food. She explained the food was the best tasting and, unfortunately, the unhealthiest.
Her profession as an educator allowed her to have many days off, which only made it harder to keep her routine schedule. This resulted in poor eating habits and less activity.
I revealed a strategic plan to avoid gaining unwanted holiday pounds. The first strategy is to avoid going to holiday parties or family gatherings hungry. Eat a healthful snack prior to attending these events. For example, eat some fruit, a cereal bar or a cup of yogurt.
Another strategic avoidance of weight gain would be to exercise daily during the extra time you may have during the holiday season when you don't have to work. Examples would include daily walks or attending aerobic classes at a local gym.
The third strategic move is to make conscious decisions when deciding what food selections to choose. At holiday events, there are multiple times you have to make these decisions. The golden rule is to just simply ask yourself if it is healthful, and nine times out of 10, you will come up with the correct answer.
It is unrealistic to assume you can be perfect during the holidays, but I hope this article helps.
