Don't Be a Healthy Grinch

Posted by Healthy Bitch Daily on Dec 13, 2012

The holidays always throw a wrench into your plans. 

Just when you think you've reached your goal weight, you eat a lil' of Grandma's bundt cake, and a lil' extra stuffing ... and suddenly you wake up on New Year's Eve to the depressing discovery that you don't fit into that sparkly cocktail number. Shit. Even Lady Gaga wouldn't be caught dead in that thing after January 1.

This year, you’ve vowed not to let it happen again. But cookies, sugary cocktails, and gourmet treats are tempting you at every drunken-holiday-party-turn.

Since you’re trying to avoid being The Grinch this holiday season, fitness expert Joy Di Palma is kindly providing some tips for having a healthy, yet festive season.

Good & Bad News

The average person doesn’t pack on that rumored 10 pounds over the holidays; studies show it’s really one to three pounds. But don’t dive into the cookie jar just yet - the bad news is if you gain a little each year and don’t take it off, it adds up.

What’s A Healthy Bitch To Do?

Plan. We know, you hate that word. But, it’s essential for you to grasp the concept, especially during this time of year.

• For your commute home or to your holiday destination, pack a healthy snack like whole grain crackers, an apple, or veggies and nuts
• Be sure to drink plenty of water
• At get-togethers, sit far away from the snacks and limit yourself to one alcoholic beverage
• Go for mixed drinks made with seltzer- if you overdo it, you will not only have the alcohol calories, but you'll probably eat everything in sight without even realizing it
• Don’t go crazy with the starters at holiday meals – save your appetite for the main event
• Head to dinner with something in your stomach - a small protein bar, protein shake, a handful of almonds - something to keep the hunger away so you don't go nuts with appetizers, which are usually fried
• At dinner, load up on salad and veggies, and go easy on the starchy, fattier dishes
• Always eat your protein first - it’s the only nutrient that shuts off the brain’s hunger mechanism
• If it’s okay with the host, bring a your favorite healthy dish to dinner!

What’s For Dessert?

Dessert’s a must on special occasions - just don’t stuff yourself with it! If you’re the calorie-counting type, keep in mind you can shave off 100 calories on pie by forgoing the crust. For example, pecan pie is 520 calories, but without crust, it’s only 420. Pumpkin is 320; without crust, only 220! Remember, this is not your last sweet treat and it's fine to have a few bites and leave the rest, or share one with a friend.

Keep Moving

Rushing from party to party does not count as exercise during the holidays, or any other time of year. If you’re eating a little more than normal, cardio is key. Even if you are travelling, you can still go for a run or a walk and burn a bunch of calories with no equipment. So always take some sneakers with you! You may find that exercise is the perfect excuse for escaping the annual family showdown.

For more exercise tips, visit Joy Di Palma at trainerjoy.com