Works for me Wednesday, holiday weight management.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009 at 8:45AM Just about everyone I know dreads putting on a few pounds during the holidays. And let's face it--it's probably going to happen. There are countless once-a-year treats to be had, and I for one think you should have them. Then again, at our house, butter is basically its own food group during the months of November and December, so I may be biased. I also think it's too ambitious for anyone to try to lose weight during the holidays. Instead, I'm all about damage control for weight management these next two months. And to do it, I employ a simple mindset on how I eat.
I'm not a dieter in a traditional sense and never have been. But that's not to say I don't watch what I eat because I do. I just don't restrict myself on a daily basis. Instead, I think of my overall eating habits in blocks of days: Mon & Tue; Wed & Thur; Fri, Sat, & Sun. And I spread the good, the bad, and the downright ugly amongst these blocks of time. If I eat horribly over a weekend (I cannot be let loose on party dip--it's really a problem), I try to redeem my diet over other days. I actually do this throughout the year but it's especially helpful during the holidays.
Let's talk specifics. Most of the upcoming holiday parties will fall during the latter part of the week. So I'll front load the veggies and fiber and all things healthful earlier in the week. This goes for my family, too. Because then I won't have a battle on my hands when the older boys are too excited at the party or family dinner to sit and eat like they usually do and only have eyes for the dessert spread. Instead, I'll remember the midweek spinach fest and hardly blink when they belly up to that buffet o'treats and help themselves to, say, a third serving of pie. In fact, they're probably just falling in line behind me--mmmm, pie. And it's all good because come Monday, we'll crave something green and from the earth and I'll happily oblige.
This game plan used to work on its own. And then my aging metabolism became a factor--grrr. Now I also up my cardio as much as possible and here's what has helped on that front:
A few months ago, my friends turned me onto this super affordable workout video by Jillian Michaels. It combines cardio and strength training but only takes 20 minutes. Seriously. And I dare say that every single one of us has 20 minutes a day (or at least every other day) to squeeze in a workout, right? Especially when the commute is just to your TV and not your gym. And in case you're wondering, it's no walk in the park. I usually turn up my nose at workout videos, truth be told, because I'm a part-time fitness instructor going on my 14th year and my class motto is "hate me now, love me and your thighs later." But this video challenges me. And it's just the little extra I need to balance the excess in calories I cannot wait to consume. Because as much as I love going to the gym (no sarcasm there. I really do love to workout), I'm not going to go any more frequently during the holidays.
Here's to you, your forthcoming smorgasbord, and jeans that do not bind.
For more tips, be sure to check out the posts over at We Are THAT Family's works for me Wednesday.
works for me Wednesday | in my life 
Reader Comments (9)
Thanks for the follow. I'm now following your lovely blog.
I love the 30 Day Shred. Unfortunately, I fell off the wagon after Week 2. My excuse was that it was summer and it was too hot. My 4-year old just asked me today, "How come you're not doing Jillian?" (Yeah, he's on a first-name basis with Jillian Michaels.) Now that the cooler weather is here, I have to start again --at least to feel less guilt over what I will be eating over the holidays. :)
I think we might be twins. I feel the same way about eating and I've also had amazing results from the 30 day shred! I use the shred now a few times a week just so I can not stress about enjoying food as much as I do, especially this time of year. Have a great day!
I love workout videos that are short - it's definitely not mothers who buy the ones that take an hour - like any mom of little ones have that much time to spend exercising! =)
Jamie
Thanks for stoping by my blog and following! And I love your latest post here. Great advice! I will be following and reading your posts again.
:~D
So, glad that as a trainer, you recommend this workout. I can't tell you how much I've spent through the years on workout tapes. Some great; some not. I used to like the FIRM tapes. Have you ever seen those? I have a section on my blog of workout & body building blogs I frequent. Stop by and browse a bit; I'm sure you'll like what you see. If you do, then don't forget to click the "Follow" button and just below that you can "Subscribe" to my blog to get informative posts and we can both inspire and share with one another to get our creative juices flowing.
I have an award for you here:
http://dealightfullyfrugal.blogspot.com/2009/10/three-new-awards.html
I just did Shred last night. It was intense. :)
Hi there, just checking out your blog. We are now following you.
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