Have you ever heard of Oreo Balls?
Me too! You probably know where I am going with this article.
It’s the time of year when we enjoy and by all means should enjoy some tasty new foods and savor the taste of some old favorites.
The only question is how we do that in some sort of minimal way that does not leave us feeling overweight, under exercised and just plain tired?
At the risk of sounding like a broken record, let’s walk through some tried and true survival tips for the upcoming Christmas season.
It is truly a joyous occasions that should not be overshadowed with stress and anxiety.
Let’s look at some helpful tips for thriving in this season so you will not be singing that “it’s the most fattening time of the year” (to the tune of “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year”).
* Take time for yourself. I know that is easier said than done with all the events to attend and all the family members to entertain.
But just a 15-minute walk or jog (or something you enjoy) can really help you be more productive the rest of the day. Stop and take a deep breath.
* Do not set unrealistic goals, especially with your exercise program. Perhaps 3-4 times per week would be more realistic during this time instead of your usual 5-6 days per week. When it comes to eating, do not go to the party with the mindset of not eating anything at all. Instead, have a small sample of the things you really enjoy.
* Never go to a party or dinner starving. Do not deny yourself of food all day in anticipation of a night party. Eat your breakfast and lunch – just cut back on your portion sizes and quantities to save a few extra calories for the evening.
* Do not try to lose weight or stick to some restrictive diet plan at this time. This plan can make you feel deprived and actually cause you to overeat.
* When the meal is over, push away from the table. Do not continue to sit around the table; you will be tempted to nimble.
* Drink plenty of water. It may help satiate your appetite since thirst is often mistaken for hunger. This may sound simple and it is, but you have to do it for it to work. Drinking water will also counteract the dehydration effects of travel and salty foods that might creep into your diet at this time.
* Spread out meals. Don’t feel like you have to eat everything at one setting. Try eating dinner and then going for a short walk before you have dessert.
* Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a perfect party, a perfect gift or a perfect way to spend each minute of the holiday season. This will take a lot of pressure off you, and you can try to enjoy it all, even the imperfections.
n Create new active traditions. How about a game of powder puff football, ice skating, snow sledding or just a family walk around the block?
* Laugh. Then laugh some more. It is good for the body and soul.
See you in the gym and Merry Christmas.
LINDA STOLLINGS is a personal fitness trainer in Bristol, Tenn. E-mail her at info@-fitprescriptions.com or visit www.fitprescrip-tions.com.
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