Lulu's Weight Loss Information


Getting Through the Holidays Without Gaining Weight


Now that the holiday season is here, holiday foods and meals take center stage. And this is as it should be. Food is a terrific celebration of friendships, of family and of love. These celebrations do not have to lead you to unhealthy eating habits. With a little advance planning, you can really enjoy your food and the holidays. Remember that the mental attitude you bring to the table is as important as what's on the table.

1. Plan Ahead. Without thinking about what is likely to be served, the best intentions fall by the wayside faster than you can shake a drumstick. If you absolutely cannot pass up the cornbread or cinnamon buns warm from the oven or Aunt Fay's amazing apple cake, then you need to decide what and how much you will eat so someone does not have to roll you out. If you're going to eat the apple cake that's fine, but remember to eat fewer quiche and pastry puff appetizers when you arrive and to pace yourself throughout the meal.

2. Strategize. So if you're not eating puff pastry appetizers, what are you going to eat? If you're going to someone's house for the holidays or if it's in your home, serve something that is good to eat like a salad, lots of vegetables and maybe shrimp cocktails and take larger portions of those and smaller portions of the rest of the meal. Eat your vegetables first. They'll fill you up, leaving less room for the more calorie-packed stuffing, mashed potatoes and pie.

3. Relationships first, food second. Yes, the holidays have wonderful foods - everywhere. But the reason you're gathered together with relatives and friends, rather than eating alone is to be in contact with people. Focus on the people and what you're doing instead of strategizing how to get those last potato puffs before Aunt Harriet does. Let Aunt Harriet have it. Besides, if her mouth is full, it will keep her from gossiping and give you the opportunity to connect with people you care about.

4. Eat small meals throughout the day. Do not make the mistake many people do of eating virtually nothing during the day to "save" extra calories for the big meal. You'll end up hungry and eat things you don't particularly like. Eat high-fiber mini meals for breakfast and lunch with snack (think whole fruit) in between to prevent an all-out binge.

5. Slow down. It takes 20 minutes for your brain to register fullness. Put down your fork and talk to your neighbor.

6. Water, Water, Water. We often eat, when we are really thirsty. Drink water before, during and after the meal so you are well hydrated.

7. "Let's toast the Holidays!" Although it is important to drink liquids, alcohol dehydrates you, acts as an aperitif and loosens your resolve to eat healthfully. Calories really add up - and not just from the alcohol. Studies show that when we drink, we eat almost 20% more than our teetotaling friends. For an easy option, consider a wine spritzer or save the first toast for when the turkey is served, and sip four ounces instead of the usual eight.

8. Go for a walk. Instead of watching football on the couch all afternoon - eating the chips and dips during time outs - why don't you gather everyone for a long walk? Taking a 45-minute walk could use up almost 250 calories. This is a wonderful holiday tradition you could start. If nothing else, you're not home eating the leftovers.

9. Talk kindly to yourself. Banish the mantra, "I always gain weight over the holidays." Instead say to yourself, "I am giving myself the gift of health. I can eat and enjoy any food I want in moderation." Or as diet Dr. Gullo says, "Thin tastes better."

10. Enjoy the season of celebration. Remember the holidays are about coming from a place of gratitude. Now especially this year, we have a lot to be grateful for. Treat yourself well with friends, with loved ones and yes, with foods.

Helene Haber, HHC is a board certified health counselor who specializes in nutrition and whole health. She designs personalized wellness solutions for women of all ages looking to enhance their lives, get their bodies back in shape and their health back on track. I invite you to contact me at TopCatHelene@aol.com.


MORE RESOURCES:

abc7.com

Small weight loss effectively reduces sex hormones linked with breast cancer
Fox News
So just how effective is weight loss in keeping cancer at bay? A new study out of the Hutchinson Cancer Researcher Center has revealed even a small amount of weight loss effectively reduces the amount of circulating estrogens in the body– which are ...
Moderate Weight Loss Can Decrease Breast Cancer RiskABC News
Moderate weight loss cuts breast cancer riskTimes of India
Study finds moderate weight loss reduces levels of sex hormones linked to ...EurekAlert (press release)
abc7.com -GlobalPost
all 33 news articles »


Column: Weight loss will come with lifestyle change
Visalia Times-Delta
Last week, Visalia Times-Delta Sports Editor Eric Galvan introduced our readers to a project we are starting here in the sports department. The goal is to piggy back on Justin Levine, the owner of the California Fitness Academy in Visalia, ...



Weight Loss Camp for Children, Teens, & College Students Announces Hiring of ...
PR Web (press release)
WellBalance, a leading fitness and weight loss camp with a location in northern California for ages 10 – 20, proudly announces the hiring of Christine Johnson. Ms. Johnson is a fitness professional and educator with a passion for helping children, ...

and more »


Lexington Herald Leader

Celebs credit 'Dancing with the Stars' for weight loss
Lexington Herald Leader
By Stephanie Cary — (Torrance) Daily Breeze The trio credit ABC's hit show Dancing With the Stars for kick-starting their weight-loss journeys. Celebrity after celebrity said they saw their bodies transform while appearing on the reality competition ...

and more »


ABC News (blog)

Paula Deen Dishes on New Diet, Weight Loss on 'The View'
ABC News (blog)
Later when the weight-loss surgery companies offer her big bucks, she'll THEN reveal she had weight-loss surgery. She's a liar! She should keep her mouth shut. That comment about “one food that causes diabetes” is stupid. So if she ate only butter, ...
Paula Deen Dishes on New Diet, Weight Losskarnnewsradio
Post Diabetes Diagnosis, Paula Deen Sheds 30 PoundsEveryday Health

all 9 news articles »


Monsters and Critics.com

Kim Kardashian Launches Weight Loss Kit Pictures
Monsters and Critics.com
By James Wray May 22, 2012, 12:25 GMT We have added a new set of pictures from the event "Kim Kardashian Launches Weight Loss Kit". Kim Kardashian QuickTrim Essentials Weight Loss Kit launch party at the Renaissance Hotel in London on May 18, 2012.



Weight Loss Success: Jason Barsotti Wanted To Get Healthy For His Daughter And ...
Huffington Post
Got a success story of your own? Send it to us at success.stories@huffingtonpost.com and you could be featured on the site! How I Gained It: I was heavy my entire life. I really got that way by eating and drinking whatever I wanted.



PR Web (press release)

Weight Loss Book by Psychologist Dr. Carol Francis "If You Can't Stop Eating ...
PR Web (press release)
Summer reminds many to manage their body weight more consciously. Dr. Carol Francis, Psychologist, Hypnotherapist, Fitness Trainer and Nutrition Counselor, authored "If You Can't Stop Eating, Maybe You're Hungry: Reset Your Cravings" to help manage all ...

and more »


Weight-loss battle taxi driver's training hit by injury setback
This is South Wales
A FORMER pub landlord who is battling to lose half his body weight to save his life has suffered a setback in his training, with an injured leg. Taxi driver Jason Vaughan, 30, who previously ran the Black Lion Hotel in St Clears and the Rose and Crown ...



Brides-to-be considering drastic weight loss measures
Today's TMJ4
Hannah is now in the maintenance stage of her weight loss plan, gradually reintroducing those "forbidden" foods. "I had a little piece of chocolate last night, that was huge for me." The feeding tube diet hasn't made it's way to Wisconsin, yet.

and more »

Google News

lulus wellness program, workout routines
© 2009 Lulu's Weight Loss Information - Lulu's Weight-Loss tips - Weight-loss do it now!

Real Estate for sale in the USReal Estate buying and selling in the USReal Estate in south of SchwedenGolf in south of SchwedenTranslation & Design for the Web
Illustrations for the WebReal Estate in south of Schweden Real Estate brookers in south of Schweden Lose Weight NowAerobicsFashion-StyleBeauty and care

Be an attraction
Real Estate in Schweden Travels in Europe Joomla Walkthrough Success Guide Lulu's wellness program

AddMe.com, Search Engine Marketing