 | Lisa Vermillion is President and co-owner of Get Fit Bee Fit and Thin and Healthy Weight Management. Lisa opened Get Fit- 4 years ago in Valley Center, after receiving certifications thorough the American Council on Exercise as a Weight and Lifestyle Management Consultant and Certified Personal Trainer. In January, she Grand Opened Thin and Healthy Weight Management in the same location. Lisa not only provides weight loss programs for individuals but she also implements business wellness programs for small businesses and large corporations. Additionally, Lisa is a Certified Life Coach providing guidance for individuals in the areas of career, relationship and personal development. She is available for speaking engagements in the areas of Physical Fitness, Weight Management, or any Life Coaching area (goal setting, positive attitude, sales, etc). Lisa can be reached for questions or speaking engagements by phone (316) 755-1115 or email at mvmillion@yahoo.com |
Diet & Nutrition
2008-10-01 08:48:00
Staying in control during holidays
Question: What should I do with all the holiday parties coming up. There is always such great food. How do I stay in control?
Answer: Don’t fret my friends, the holidays can bring about weight gain but they don’t have to. The average American gains 9-15 lbs over the holidays! You can choose to be better than average by maintaining or losing weight over the holidays. Having a plan this time of year as we are bombarded with parties and gatherings that center around family, friends and of course FOOD, is essential. Keeping a journal helps you not only create a plan, but helps you stick to it as well. The more concrete your plan, the more you’ll stay true to it. Planning how you’ll handle relationships, food, and movement will help you stay on track.
Before you head out to that first get- together take some time and think about how you are going to handle being offered foods you’d prefer not to eat and well-meaning relatives’ comments about your weight loss efforts. I’ve found it helps to have a pre-set comment when Aunt Susie is pushing her calorie laden dessert at you after you’ve said “No thank you.” Comments like “REALLY, I MEAN no thank you.” Or “I’m sure it’s delicious, however, I’m choosing to lay off the sweets.” You don’t need to draw attention to weight issues, however, if Grandma makes a comment about weight you can say something like “No it’s really about living longer and feeling better.” I hear many people say they don’t want to make so- and- so feel bad by not eating their food. Give yourself permission to take care of yourself and realize if Aunt Susie gets angry, that’s Aunt Susie’s choice. My husband’s grandma used to say, “She can get glad in the same shoes she got mad in”.
Next, plan your food strategies. Whatever you do, don’t go to a party hungry or “save your appetite” for a big end-of-the day meal. The best idea is to eat a light snack before the gathering so you’re not ravenous by the time you get there. Pick a healthy, fiber rich, satisfying snack. For best results combine a whole grain with a protein like, a low fat Bran muffin with almonds, peanut butter on an apple, reduced fat cubes of cheese with fruit, or yogurt with a high fiber cereal. If you’re going to a potluck, take something that you know will be healthier, that way you can enjoy the party without feeling guilty. If you decide to have something that is not as healthy, choose one or two items and have a small portion, then compensate with more activity the next day or two.
Finally, remember to plan your movement. Don’t let a beautiful day pass you by without taking a walk outside. When at a party, don’t just watch everyone dance, join in! Take your exercise videos with you and get the kids in on the aerobic action with you a few hours after lunch. Is after-turkey-day shopping on the itinerary? Park far away from the entrance, take the steps instead of the elevator, and incorporate extra walking wherever you can on your shopping extravaganza. Then your credit cards won’t be the only thing getting a workout! Just be sure to take along your sneakers!
You don’t have to be a statistic. Planning ahead for handling well- meaning friends and family, eating as healthy as possible, and moving through the holidays will enable you to maintain your focus and accomplish your goals over the holidays.
