12 Days of Xmas - Day 5 - How to avoid Christmas weight gain!
Wednesday, December 24th 2008 @ 12:53 PM
Day 5
It’s thought that a vast majority of people gain anywhere between 1 and 10 pounds of body fat over Christmas and New Year! Why do think gyms and fitness clubs are inundated in January! However, you DO NOT need to be one of those people on the New Year merry-go-round of attempting another weight loss resolution!
Weight gain during this festive “party” season is not obligatory! If you can successfully use the following 4 useful tips each day throughout Xmas, you’ll avoid putting on unnecessary extra pounds. You might even find you carry them through to the New Year, and beyond, helping you toward achieving any resolution that you want.
Before you read any of these tips, it is good idea to begin with a strong, firm intention of how you want feel and function through Xmas, and most importantly how do you want to feel for 2009. This will help to re-program your subconscious mind, and un-do some old non-serving beliefs that you might have about yourself.
Try saying the following out loud, and then write this intention down, reading it everyday…
“I intend to be in the best shape EVER for 2009. I intend to feel healthy, energetic, let go of old patterns of behaviour, and welcome a new vibrant way of living and being. I AM WORTHY OF THIS, I CAN DO THIS AND I VOW TO DO THIS”.
Congratulations – you’re half way there already!
Tip 1 - The is the simplest yet MOST effective advise I can give you to keep your appetite in check, keep your weight in check AND lose weight if necessary... Start eating when you feel slightly hungry. STOP eating BEFORE you feel full - SIMPLE! This might culminate in 3, 4, or 5 small meals through the day, OR 2 meals and 2 snacks. Find what works for YOU - not anyone else. If you constantly crave sugary foods, make sure you eat enough protein at each meal, and make your snacks protein-based - i.e. a boiled egg, a handful of seeds, or a pot of plain yogurt.
Tip 2 – Start your day with a fresh fruit breakfast instead of your cereal or toast. Chop into a bowl a large apple, a pear, and either a small banana or handful of grapes for some extra “sweetness”! Starting the day with fresh fruit is remarkably cleansing and energising. Fresh fruits are nutrient-rich and help to immediately alkalise the body – perfect for the Xmas period!
Tip 3 – Do some activity for ½ hour EVERDAY – yes everyday! This will help enormously to keep the metabolism stimulated, and so help to use up any excess calories from Xmas treats! You will also feel healthier, far more energised, take the necessary “time out” to de-stress and see you through the holidays. You’ll also feel more confident and empowered that you are treating yourself and your body with the care and respect it so deserves! Choose from a walk, hike, cycle, swim, dance class, Pilates class, or kick a football with the children!
Tip 4 – Substitute potatoes and bread this holiday, for PLENTY of extra vegetables and salads!
Tomorrow I will give you some alternative healthy Christmas fare ready for Boxing Day and beyond!
