Say No To The December Bulge

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Say No to the December Bulge!

Say no to the December Bulge…. Why are the winter holidays so scary? Why do we have fear of bulging out like a stuffed turkey? Sure there is the food, but unlike Halloween or Valentine’s Day, the winter holiday season lasts for weeks!!! That means more parties, potlucks, food gifts, and did I say COOKIES!? We get so caught up in shopping, cooking, party hopping, volunteering, no wonder there is no time for eating healthy meal planning or hitting the gym! No wonder by January 2nd the buttons are popping off, those new pants don’t fit, and hanging around our middle is the dreaded “December Bulge”!!!

How to Say No to the December Bulge

Believe it or not the answer is fairly simple..You need to make a plan and stick to it. Everyday will present challenges, you must be focused and stay in control. Come on now, get a grip, you have overcome temptation and slip ups before, you can do it now!

Here are some tips to eating healthy and keep the December Bulge at bay:

1. Keep a food journal. Write down everything you eat. That includes that bite of cookie dough, and the sample of Honey Baked Ham you had at the grocery store. If it passes your lips it goes on the list! Sometimes we will decide not to eat something because we don’t want to be reminded that we ate it when we review our journal.

2. Schedule your gym time. Give the same respect to your gym time as you would a doctor’s appointment. I know people that say they have no time to schedule, but at the same time they manage to schedule time to watch the Biggest Loser, or Survivor! Gym time must be a priority!

3. Bring healthy food to the party. Most food at holiday parties are loaded with fat, sugar and a ton of calories. There are so many tasty holiday recipes that are healthy and low in calories. Be in control and take a healthy dish to the next gathering so you can partake and not feel guilty.

4. Skip the eggnog. When you drink alcohol your judgment is the first to go! A little too much booze and you are going to find yourself stuffing everything into your face including the fruitcake! Alcohol is loaded with calories and the sweet mixer is pretty much sugar water. If you must indulge think vodka and club soda. Club soda has no calories and a shot of vodka has about 100 calories. A wine spritzer is also a good choice. Remember to sip and nurse your drink so you can limit it to one or two cocktails.

5. Regift those treats. It’s so nice when people make us those beautiful holiday treats, there is a lot of thought and effort that goes into it. So share the love! Take them to the office to treat your co workers or give them to the hostess at the next party. They are also a lovely offering at the homeless shelter.

6. Add extra time to your workout. You know there is a big party tonight; you know you are going to eat more than usual, so remember this rule… “Burn it (exercise) to earn it (extra holiday calories)”. This should also be followed by a morning routine with extra cardio.

7. Don’t go hungry. Keep up with healthy snacks during the day. Don’t fall into the pit of not eating all day because of a party that night. This will only lead to over eating. At work take your healthy snacks and forgo the cookies.

8. Focus on the people. Get involved in good conversation and activities instead of growing roots in front of the food table! “The People” that is what the holidays are all about!

9. Drink your water. Studies show that people that who drink more water during the day consume fewer calories. Water is a great choice at parties. Spice it up with a slice of lemon or lime.

10. Keep your eye on the prize! Remember your goals and you can survive this holiday season! Before you drink that eggnog, or have that third cookie, ask yourself “Will this help me achieve my goals?”. If the answer is NO, make a better choice!

Remember you are in control this holiday season, not the other way around. Keep these tips in mind and leave the December Bulge to Santa and the stuffed turkey!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

Pam Nelson Bio:

Pam Nelson, CPT (A.C.E), Fitness Trainer

Pam has been an A.C.E certified (American Council of Exercise) personal trainer for the general population since 1995. She is also a group instructor, and certified in teaching the “Mature Population”, people over 50. Her clients have varied far and wide. She has had people with Parkinson’s, amputees, athletes, and people struggling with sever weight issues. She has taught “Park City Boot Camp” for 5 years. She is a native of Utah, went to the University of Utah and has lived in Park City for 25 years. She enjoys an active lifestyle of hiking, biking, skiing, snowshoeing, anything that Utah has to offer. She has found a perfect fit working for Premier Fitness Camp and calls it her “Dream Job”. She is a trainer, group instructor, and a member of the coaching team.