Here are the final strategies for keeping the weight off during the holidays.    

3. Focus on relationships.

 I think it’s important to remember holiday parties and family get-togethers are filled with much more than just fattening foods. What about partaking in family traditions such as reading the Christmas story around the fireplace, or catching up with those relatives you only see once or twice a year? Bottom line: You should be enjoying Aunt Martha more than you’re enjoying her famous pecan pie. Focus on your family and friends more than you focus on the fabulous food.  

4. Move it!

As the fellowship and feasting come to an end and you push away from the dinner table, remember two words: Move it! While your relatives are making their way to the couch to watch football on TV, why not head for the great outdoors instead? Grab a football and toss it around outside with your children. Or, take a walk around the block with your cousins. Just make sure you move your body after eating in order to rev up your metabolism. Then go ahead and have a good rest on the couch. After all, that’s part of the holiday fun, right? 

5.  Exercise more.

During the Christmas season, life gets very busy with family get-togethers, shopping, church commitments, parties and much more; however, we must find time to work out. Exercise could be your best friend during this season because it will definitely help you maintain your weight, even though your diet may not be as healthy as usual. Here’s what I do.

Knowing I’ll be splurging on high caloric treats on Thanksgiving and Christmas, I intentionally increase my cardio workouts a few days before to compensate for the extra calories I’ll be consuming. By increasing your workout time and level of intensity, you’ll get extra caloric expenditure during a time you’ll need it most.

 I believe if you implement these simple strategies this Christmas, the scales will be balanced in your favor, and you’ll be much happier and healthier as you maintain your health and fitness goals. Merry Christmas!