Monthly Archives: November 2011
Want to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain?
We all know the benefits of staying slim and in good shape, but how do you maintain a healthy routine during the holidays?
Recently published in the New England Journal of Medicine, a study on holiday weight gain found that most Americans only gain 1 pound during the holidays. While that seems quite good, the problem is that most of those individuals never lost that pound, resulting in a yearly accumulation. This annual trend was even more significant for those already overweight, sometimes up to 5 pounds of weight gain each year. And, for those that didn’t gain much weight, their muscle-to-fat ratio decreased, which contributes to a slower metabolism and increased health risks.
So, what can you do this holiday season to avoid weight gain or increased body fat?
1. Walk!
Skip the online shopping and do your holiday gift searching on foot. You’ll keep your metabolism up and get some fresh air. If you can, shop downtown so you’re forced to walk from store to store rather than driving.
2. Reduce calories.
Snack on low-calorie, high fiber foods, like veggies and hummus or wheat crackers. Avoid nuts, meats, and cheeses that are calorie-dense. And consider one cookie instead of three- it’ll taste better, and you’ll enjoy it more.
3. Avoid emotional eating.
When holiday stress or family issues increase, avoid stuffing your face. Instead, take a brisk walk outdoors or visit a friend. Emotional eating is a major cause of holiday weight gain. If you have trouble with controlling your food intake, consider a hypnotherapy session. Most people need only a few sessions in order to make significant progress.
4. Space out your eating.
Simple things, like putting your fork down between bites, or focusing on conversation instead of eating can help you to eat slower. This gives you time to feel full, which reduces the likelihood of overeating.
5. Relax!
Stress has been linking to increased belly fat. One of the easiest tricks to avoiding weight gain and belly fat is to take time for relaxation. Five minutes of deep breathing or a 15-minute guided meditation can reduce cortisol and fat deposits. Being more relaxed will also curb your appetite- at least emotionally.
Remember, there is no shame in asking for help to get your weight under control. Whether you could use assistance in reducing your intake or gaining motivation to exercise more, there are many professionals trained to assist you. Hypnotherapists and NLP’ers have specific skills that can put you back in control quickly. Most even offer tailored packages to meet your needs. Invest in your health and well-being today- you’ll be glad you did!
5 Unique Ways to Give Thanks
Thanksgiving is already behind us, but isn’t the whole holiday season about giving thanks? Giving gifts at the holidays is a common way to express love and appreciation for those special people in our lives. But for many, money is a little tighter than usual, so how can you show loved ones you care without breaking the bank?
1. Ten Things I Love About You.
Make a list, typed or written in calligraphy, and frame it for those important people in your life. Mom may even shed a tear or two!
2. Create a Photography Collection.
Unleash your creativity by photographing scenes or people that resonate with each loved one on your list. Frame the photos, and write a short message on the back of each, letting each recipient know why you choose that image.
3. Give a Kiva Loan.
For as little as $25 you can give a small business loan to individuals around the world- in your own or someone else’s honor. It’s an excellent way to show you care, and it’s a great cause that everyone will appreciate.
4. Make Purchases from Small Businesses.
Instead of shopping at department stores, patron local or private companies. Consider experiential gifts rather than products, as well, like spa days, tours, or concert tickets.
5. Invest in their Future.
Give a gift of health, wellness, or education. Whether you give a guided meditation CD or a home study course, you’ll be sure the money you spend is put to good use. Things come and go, but personal growth lasts forever!
No matter what you give or how much, remember the best way to give thanks is by opening your heart to those you love. Let them know how much you care, through words, gestures, hugs, and by keeping your word. And always, be the best you that you can be!
