And so it starts... The Holidays! :D

Happy Veteran's Day everyone!  It's already nearing mid November, the holiday's are almost here. Costco has their Christmas stuff out, Starbucks has their seasonal red cups out, and the holiday parties are about to start coming. Don't let the holiday's put a damper on your weight loss efforts, or even worse set you back and add some pounds. Often the holidays signify delicious high calorie food and desserts.  Along with some holiday booze to wash it all down.  The average real weight gain that is seen during the holidays is 1 pound.  And while that may not seem like much, the problem lies in that normally people are not able to lose that 1 pound.  Compound just that pound over 10 years, and you are looking at 10 extra pounds- and that's only looking at what is gained during the Christmas Holidays.

So how will we avoid this and keep looking fit and pretty during the holidays? We will eat clean and exercise during the holidays.  I am not saying that we will not indulge a little, but we will make up for it at the gym or doing some other sort of meaningful exercise.

Here is the workout plan I recommend:

Monday: 30 minutes weights, 30 minutes cardio

Tuesday: Rest/enjoy- maybe go for a walk

Wednesday:  30 minutes weights, 30 minutes cardio

Thurday: Rest/enjoy- maybe go for a walk

Friday: 30 minutes weights, 30 minutes cardio

Saturday/ Sunday - Fun run if you like on one day- other wise just be active and enjoy the season.

And if you can't get into the gym as often as you like, here are some ideas for getting in some extra exercise during the holidays:

Thanksgiving: Set up a family football or other sports game pre-dinner.  This will be a great way to bond with family members you have not seen in a while or just hangout with the ones that you do, while working up an appetite and burning some calories.

Calorie burn: ~ 300 calories per 40 minutes

Holiday Shopping: Wear comfortable shoes and do a lap around the mall.  This will let you scope out the stores and see if there are any good sales!

Calorie burn ~ 100 calories, plus 100 more burned during shopping :)

Christmas outings: Schedule a fun walk around your local Christmas Tree Lane or Down town to admire and look at the decorations.

Calorie Burn: ~ 150 calories

Christmas Day: Schedule another football or other sport game with the family, maybe a rematch :o)

Calorie Burn ~ 300 per 40 minutes

New Years: Go out or stay in with family and ring in the New Year dancing

Calorie Burn: ~250 calories per 30 minutes

And there you have it, some great tips and workouts to keep you looking fit and pretty during the Holidays.

XOXO

-C