Avoid the Holiday Pound

Studies show that the average person gains about one pound between Thanksgiving and January. Most adults gain one to two pounds a year over a lifetime, so keeping off that holiday pound can go a long way. Balancing exercise, food choices and stress can make your holidays more enjoyable and guilt-free. Try these tips and find more in our post titled, "Healthy and Happy Holidays".

• Stick closely to your daily routines. This will help keep your sleep/wake cycle balanced, emotions manageable, and eating patterns appropriate. Do you have one cup of coffee on a workday? On those slow mornings with family, enjoy that one cup and then switch to decaf, caffeine free tea, or WATER. Do you exercise in the morning, mid-day or evening? Keep that appointment with yourself and your sneakers (a few hours difference isn’t going to cause harm, but when your post-holiday schedule is back you may find it difficult to get back into that routine).
• If you stray from normal habits, make it for a better cause. Maybe during the work week you struggle to go to bed at a decent hour. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, but keep your alarm set for the same time each morning. Was your breakfast one to be proud of today? If so- keep it that way over the holidays and help your family do the same. If you could improve the breakfast routine in the house, practice over the holidays making a quick and easy, but enjoyable breakfast with lean protein, carbohydrates and a little healthy fat (See post, "Potato Scramble Recipe").