OK, here we are again. That time of year where it is non-stop feasting and festivities. Lots of fat, sugar and alcohol — sometimes (as with certain liqueurs and eggnogs) all in one glass, other times spread out over food and drink.
Want to know how to have a good time, fulfill all the social obligations and still have a waistline come January?
There are lots of ways we can be mindful and not blow the caloric budget, yet still go out and have a nice holiday season. Here’s a list of some tips that I have compiled and shared with my clients through the years on how to get through the holiday season and not gain weight.
When you go out, wear tight clothes. Sound funny? If your waistband is digging into your tummy, you are not likely to eat your way into the next size up. You have a reminder digging in. Better yet, if it really digs in when you try to sit down.
Don’t position yourself close to the buffet table or the bar. Move to the far end of the room — that way you will really have to think about going to get some food or another drink rather than just mindlessly reaching for more while you are talking. If the conversation at the far end of the room is really fun, maybe you’ll forget about another fill-up. Tip: hang out with interesting people! You can’t talk with your mouth full.
Eat before you go out. Eat sensibly and stick to your diet and don’t be tempted by the fat, sugar, salt and chemicals that are being offered as treats. In your heart and mind you know better.
For every alcoholic drink you have, drink a glass of water. This not only keeps the calories down, it also helps you from overdoing it and getting drunk and hung over — never pleasant experiences.
Don’t forget to workout. It is easy to forgo your fitness when the fun beckons, but all the gains that you made over the last months fade if you don’t keep it up.
With exercise you get “a body back guarantee!” Kind of like brushing your teeth or washing your hair, it’s just something you need to keep doing to look good and be healthy.
Put an especially good photo of yourself on the fridge door and on the door out to the car. Do you want to mess with that? Think before you swallow. “A moment on the lips, a lifetime on the hips” is a truism.
Most of the holiday “goodies” look way better than they taste. If you really need to taste some, take a small serving and enjoy that (or not) and then make a decision as to whether you’ll have some more. Is it worth it?
If you decide that you are going to eat more or drink more than usual, then workout more than usual. Calories out can balance calories in, but if you have ever checked out how long you need to be on the bicycle or the treadmill in order to rid your body of the calories in a load of ice cream, then you will realize it is a long haul. Better to limit the intake. It is actually easier.
If you are entertaining, do everyone a favor and have low-calorie, healthy snacks on hand, too. You may be especially proud of your rich and elegant desserts and appetizers, but it is a good host that thinks of others who may be trying their best to keep fit and healthy throughout the season. My favorite line when someone tries to push something on me that I really don’t want is, “That looks lovely! I’m sorry I can’t have that, for health reasons.” True words and the host cannot push any further.
I truly wish you all the very best of the upcoming six or so weeks. Have fun, see your friends and family and do your best to stay true to yourself. You don’t have to gain a lot of weight and then spend the next few months prying it back off.
Just be sensible throughout this holiday season and use a few thoughtful tricks to eat and drink responsibly.
• Jane Riley, M.S., B.A., C.P.T., C.N.A., can be reached at janerileyfitness@gmail.com, 808-212-1451 or www.janerileyfitness.com.
