[Photo Courtesy D. Sharon Pruitt on Flickr Creative Commons]

Don’t Be a Statistic

Statistics along with our waist line tells us that every holiday season the average American gains approximately 5-10 pounds – and hence the infamous New Year’s Resolution “weight loss”. Well this year let’s get a jump start and get our bodies into pre-holiday shape and save our 2010 Resolution for something juicy – romantic Paris trip, a make-over, new wardrobe, take that dancing class you always dreamed of.

Wouldn’t it be nice to actually enjoy the holiday season and not be stressed, bloated and sleep deprived!!!!! Trust me it is doable and I would love to see that happen for You!! let’s get started……

1) JUST SAY “NO”…….

I used to be the “YES” girl and would never refuse anyone (except of course myself!!!) Well those days are over….and it feels great!!! You need to decide what works for you and what doesn’t. It is very liberating to say “NO”. Now don’t misunderstand me- I retain my femininity and softness but if it complicates my life and stresses me out I say no. When you are true to yourself you find your feminine power. Once you start to respect your time and see it as valuable all of a sudden you find yourself with more of it!!! And everything fits into place.

2) EAT RIGHT

Avoid the processed food like the plague!!! Try to eat whole foods, and whatever you do don’t skip meals. When your blood sugar drops the hunger is insatiable and that’s when its no longer hard but rather impossible to make a good food choice.

Eat a full breakfast or if you can’t have something macronutrient packed – a green smoothie. This way you are less likely to overindulge. For lunch, have 3 ounces of a protein (grilled chicken breast, or salmon), unlimited veggies (steamed, grilled), sweet potato or quinoa and a teaspoon of fat (olive oil, pat of butter). You will feel satisfied and the protein will ensure that the blood sugar will not drop and you will be full.

In between meals have a handful of walnuts (full of omega 3’s). It will also stabilize your blood sugar.

If you plan on drinking I highly recommend a fatty meal (good fats) prior to – lots of olive oil to slow down the sugar from the drinking – which helps with the glycemic load. If you don’t, the sugar spiral will begin and you will be sucked into the sugar cravings!!

Enjoy your party have the glass of wine!!!!!!!

3) WATER WATER WATER

Studies indicate if you are properly hydrated cravings will not be such an issue.

You should drink half your body weight in water. Its great for the complexion, detoxes the kidneys, and makes you feel full. When you are thirsty you are already dehydrated!

4) SLEEP

Keep your body’s natural cadence – go to bed the same time and wake up at the same time!!!!!! Your body has a biological clock stick with it and respect your body’s natural rhythm.

5) EXERCISE

Get moving -I don’t care what it is but do something! Go for an early am walk – briskly on an empty stomach, go for a walk at lunch. Take the stairs at the mall!

6) YOU

Meditate, chillax. You need to unwind. Hit the gym, take a class, grab a book and enjoy a warm bath, sit in your room and be quiet and listen to your breathing. Whatever floats your boat. Be it 5 minutes or a half an hour it will do wonders for YOU!!!!