Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
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Coco Warner reporting With all the cookies and eggnog that gets consumed over the next month, it's common to put on a few pounds during the holidays. And with most of us being overscheduled this time of year, it can also be difficult to fit in exercise.
But by taking some simple steps-- like eating before a party-- and using the stairs at work, hopefully you can make it through the next month without putting on any pounds.
Walk through any grocery store and you'll notice the holiday goodies are on full display, and very tempting. The key? Keep your portion size under control.
Jenny Larsen/Competitive Edge Fitness: "Just make srue you get all the good stuff in throughout the day before you have your treat. Then really enjoy it. Sit down and indulge."
And that good stuff includes fruits and vegetables. Jenny says you should scan party food before you put anything on your plate. Fill up with healthy, leaner items first, like shrimp.
Jenny Larsen/Competitive Edge Fitness: "So look at the table, get the fruits and vegetables and those first. You'll still get all the vitamins, fruits and vegetables for the day. Then you can go and kind of sample the heavier foods."
If you do indulge in holiday treats like eggnog, decrease the calories by adding skim milk. And if you eat chocolate, make it dark.
Jenny Larsen/Competitive Edge Fitness: "Don't deprive yourself on chocolate, because it's good for your heart. But darker is better."
A good diet is only half the solution. You also need to keep up on your exercise routine.
Jenny Larsen/Competitive Edge Fitness: "You're at the office or at home and you're on the phone or you have those five minutes. Do some squats in front of a chair. A chair is a good measure of how deep you're going. So just sit back and tap the chair."
If you're not able to set aside time for regular exercise, at least try to incorporate it into your day-to-day activities.
Jenny Larsen/Competitive Edge Fitness: "If you're preparing for a party, cleaning the house, go a little bit quicker with it. Trust me, you'll work up a sweat and you'll burn more calories. Same thing with cooking."
Other simple exercise ideas-- use stairs when you can, and park your car a bit farther away from your destination so you have to walk more.
So here are some staying healthy holiday tips:
Diet
- Watch your portions
- Save your calories
- Fruits & vegetables
- Eat before a party Exercise
- Exercise during daily tasks
- Take the stairs
- Park farther away This segment ends our "Surviving the Season" series. Hopefully, you have learned as much as I have!
