I've heard reports that the average American gains 7 lbs. between Thanksgiving and New Years. I believe it. Almost every celebration in those weeks includes lots of food and plenty of alcohol. And it can be hard to say "no."
What are your best tips for avoiding the holiday bulge without being anti-social?
Post them in the comments or e-mail them to me (laney895 at hotmail),
and I'll compile them for next week's post.
Moving on ...
November is almost over. I failed MISERABLY at my fitness challenge. I had pledged to do the 30 Day Shred. I actually only did it five times. And was crazy sore each time. So obviously it's a good workout. I just couldn't stay motivated. The only workout I did consistently in November was yoga. It may not be strenuous or sweaty, but I still felt like it was good for me. I'm so glad I've discovered it.
The coming month of December could be a busy one. I need to make sure I find my motivation and keep it. I will try to do some more home workouts. But I think I need to start smaller with my challenge. Last week, Kristin posted about a plank challenge she was tackling. I think that's completely doable. I don't know if I'll get to a five-minute plank by the end of December, but I will certainly stretch for the best time I can.
Weight-loss goal: 40 lbs.
This week's progress: +0.4 lbs.
Progress to date: -35.2 lbs.
Non-scale victory: On Thanksgiving morning, I walked 5.25 miles with my dad. It was windy and a little chilly, but at least I earned my dinner. Well, not really, but ... I like to think so.
I'm going to keep going with the plank challenge in December. I mean, who doesn't have a few minutes to do a plank, right?! I did the P90X Ab Ripper last week (15 minutes..my husband has a dvd) and I felt it in my abs and thighs the next day. So I encourage you to keep "Shredding" into December as the best advice I have is to keep working out through the season! I don't do yoga, but I stretch a lot. It makes a difference.
ReplyDeleteJoe (boot camp instructor) sent out an email with a few tips recently. 1)dress sexy. if you are wearing something that makes you feel good as opposed to stretchy pants you're not going to want to over-do it on food because you don't want to bust out of your clothes. 2)prepare something healthy as your dish you're bringing so you know whats in it and you can get enough of that on your plate to help you fill up. 3)drink 1 glass of water for every alcoholic drink you consume...and drink it before you drink the alcohol. 4)take a break when you're half-way done clearing your plate. stand up, stretch, go get a refill of water. if you are actually full already, and you feel it, throw a dirty napkin over your plate and go throw the rest of the food away. or when you feel like you have eaten your limit of dessert or carbs, whatever, put a napkin over your plate so you aren't tempted to go back for more mindlessly. 5)when it comes to desserts, make up a work-out to work them off BEFORE you go. have a list of what you will do for each piece of dessert you eat (ex: 1 cookie-20 squats, 1 piece of cake-1 minute plank, etc) and hold yourself accountable either by planning your limit ahead of time and doing the exercises before you go or keeping track of what you do eat and forcing yourself to do the exercise when you get home.
ReplyDeleteI've actually lost weight two out of the previous three holiday seasons. Here are my tips:
ReplyDelete1) Make a "Biggest Loser" challenge with some friends. Each person has to put in money to the pot (something reasonable, $10 is plenty) and whoever loses the highest percentage wins the bank! Some nice scratch during the holidays. Or, if money won't work, or if your friends are scattered, maybe do one where you cyber track (send pics of weights to each other so no one cheats) and winner gets a mani/pedi (or something else) from the other "contestants".
2) Wear tight clothing. I have a rule to not eat any meal besides breakfast in anything with elastic. Take this even further and wear something form fitting while you eat/go out. You'll be more conscience.
3) Treat yourself. You can have a small bite of most things without bellying up to the trough. Practice, "taste everything, eat nothing" and don't drink your calories. One wine = a treat. 5 wines = bloated mess.
What a great idea o the planks. I've got to try that becuase I hate them...but know they work! On December 1, I'm starting the Jillian Michaels 30 day shred. Hopeing that will keep me going during hte holidays!
ReplyDelete~Tiffany
http://tiffanyd22.blogspot.com