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Holiday Eating Without Getting Fat

By Brad Scott

Eating while celebrating the holidays is typically a recipe for fat. This is the time of year when we all splurge. Turkey, ham, dressing, pies, cakes and cookies. We can't resist them, so why should we even try. Well, we shouldn't. Honestly, doesn't it feel good to enjoy the food cooked by our friends, family and loved ones. Sharing cheer and joy over a big piece of apple pie with whipped cream on top. Watching the annual football game with a beer in one hand and a turkey leg in the other. These are the times of year we look forward to. So I am going to make this short and sweet. Eat whatever you want to and don't feel guilty about it. Life was meant to be enjoyed and times like these were meant to be enjoyed over a full plate.

However (I'm sure you knew this was coming), you can still follow a few simple guidelines and not pickup weight or get fat. Just because the holiday season is here, doesn't mean you have to stop working out. It doesn't mean you have to splurge every day. And it doesn't mean you have to be totally out of shape after the holidays are done. Here are some suggestions to keep you living a fitness lifestyle over the holidays.

  1. Continue to workout. Even if you shorten you workout times or decrease the days per week, continuing a healthy habit will make it easier to step it back up after the holidays are done.

  2. Don't overeat every day. You know ahead of time the days your family and friends plan to get together. Eat slightly less the days before and the day after. It will keep you from feeling guilty and help balance out your week.

  3. Don't get drunk. Alcohol as 7 calories per gram and can pack on fat. Plus, if you're drunk during a great party you will miss the best part.

  4. Balance out your snacks. Everywhere you go these days people will have cookies, candy and other goodies. Ask where the fruit bowl is and have an apple, orange or banana.

  5. Have fun! If you're dancing, you're not eating. If you're playing games or having a great conversation you may not be stuffing your face.

It may seem difficult at first, but trust me, you can have guilt-free enjoyment.

About the Author:

Brad Scott is Owner and President of Sport and Life Fitness in Melbourne Florida. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and is a Certified Fitness Trainer and Specialist in Sports Conditioning with the International Sports Sciences Association. With over 20 years of experience, Brad offers a wide variety of fitness solutions for most anyone. Visit him online at www.SportAndLifeFitness.com today and start your fitness journey.