How To Avoid The Holiday Season Midsection Bulge!

How to Avoid The Holiday Season Bulge!

Between Thanksgiving and New Year the average American (Brit, Australian, Westerner...) gains 5-7lbs!  Not really surprising with all the extra cakes, candies and cocktails.  And it wouldn't really be so bad if those extra pounds were released again come spring, but generally what happens is that these 5-7 lbs are here to stay, and then another 5-7 lbs next year - you get the picture!  So what's a person to do?  Here are my top tips to keep the mid-winter bulge at bay!

 

(1)  Start off each and every day with a pint of filtered tap water.  Hydration is really important, and the very best way to wake up your whole being.  This will help you get things moving - which is key - avoid constipation! 

(2)  Eat more greens!!  Seriously.  Try to include some dark leafy greens like kale or collards, or at minimum spinach, in your diet EVERYDAY!

(3)  If you are going out to a cocktail party where you know there will be "nibbles" try to eat a healthy meal before you get there, and then don't stand near the food table!

(4)  Take a deep breath and have a conversation with yourself before you nibble:   do I really want this - am I eating this because I'm bored/nervous/self conscious/need to do something with my hands - do I even like this - am I hungry actually? 

(5) Alternate cocktails with a big glass of water, no ice, no straw, just plain ole water!

(6)  Movement!  This may be an obvious one, but it doesn't always come naturally when it's cold out. The desire to hunker down at home in front of the telly often wins!  Get your body moving - dance, prance, leap, run, stretch!  Our bodies are not designed to be scrunched up all day in front of a computer!   Move your body!    

(7)  Chew your food!  Don't inhale it!  

(8)  Sign up for the Stiggly Detox which begins in January!!!  So even if you do find yourself with a little extra unwanted poundage, you can shake it free in the new year!