More Strategies for Preventing the Holiday Wobble

The Holiday Wobble? I believe I explained it yesterday - its when you're full to the point that you have to wobble back and forth in order to walk (much like the penguin - obviously cuter when they do it). Don't worry, there's a theme song:) Follow the link for a good laugh.

We are in the thick of it now: holiday parties, treats at work, baking at home, terrible weather...ugh. Who has the motivation to work on their six pack?...........or just make sure they can still see their feet?:)

Well, here are some simple strategies that will help you prevent the ole' Wobble Wobble.

1. Instead of "saving room" for your holiday party meals, eat several small meals leading up to the event. Make sure they are packed full of healthy nutrients - like fruits and veggies. This way you are less likely to over eat at the party and you know that you've gotten of your necessary nutrients for that day.

2. Work out before a holiday event. Use party foods as fuel to re-fuel your body after a workout. Also, after a good workout, your metabolism is increased for several hours....helping you burn off those calories even faster!

3. SLOW DOWN when you eat! First of all, you look ridiculous when you eat like that....head down, shoveling food into your mouth, barely breathing.....looks like you're a starving child from the streets.....no need for that. Second of all, it takes a while (about 20 min.) for your brain to signal that you are full. If you wait a minute, you might find that you don't need that second plate.

4. Only eat your favorites. Don't waste calories on things that you only somewhat enjoy - only get the things that you LOVE or only get once a year. I can eat mashed potatoes whenever I want - so I'm going to be better off grabbing the stuffing that I only see around this time of year.

5. Bring a dish to the party.....and make sure its a health one!!! This way you know that you will be able to eat something that you like, and it also provides a little "health" to the meal.

6. Modify recipes. Switch in applesauce or pumpkin for oil. Switch in fat-free cream cheese for regular. Switch in whole wheat flour for refined, white flour. The substitutions are limitless!!!

7. Watch out for mixed drinks......the mixers are full of empty sugar calories! You are better off sticking to a light beer, red or white wine, or a mixed drink with a calorie free mixer.

8. Make an appetizer plate....don't graze! Several handfuls of this, several handfuls of that. It adds up! And, like I said before, don't eat things that aren't your favorites!!!

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