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Having lost a large amount of weight, you might think that all is solved for me. After all, I don't have to count calories anymore, don't have to try to find exercise I like - just keep on keeping on with what I've done for the past five years and feel like I've solved the puzzle.
And then you toss in THE HOLIDAYS and the entire shebang goes to pot. Which begs the question...
How do you stay fit as the seasons change and all of the holiday temptations begin?
I've got several tricks up my sleeve.
First of all, I try to get in a good chunk of cardio every single day. I go for a walk or a short run. I play a Wii game designed to get me moving for at least 30 minutes, or I take boxing class. If I'm having trouble fitting it in, I break my exercise into smaller chunks - I've even gone to ten minute segments. Keeping myself moving every day is really important for not packing the pounds back on over the holidays.
Call a girlfriend and make an appointment to walk together every morning after the kids go to school. Walk to the grocery store if you just need a few items. Find a spin class and encourage your husband to go with you. Encourage your family to an obstacle course on a Saturday afternoon - the loser has to do dishes.
What about challenging a family member to a weight loss challenge from now until the end of the year? For every pound you gain, you add $5 to the pot - someone will have a great New Year's Eve on that money - it might as well be you!
What are some of the ways that you stay fit during the holiday season? Leave me a comment sharing your ideas and you could win a $150 gift card! In addition, check out the other 14 bloggers stories of handling holiday temptations. The official rules can be found here.
This contest will open on at 12:00 a.m. and will close on at 11:59 p.m. I'll use random.org to choose the winner, who will then have 48 hours to return my email of I'll have to chose a second winner.
I try not to deny myself of the wonderful sweets that seem to abound around me at the holidays. I select my ultimate favorites - usually something that would be a great treat and have just a tasting sample. This way I do not feel limited and overindulge in the end but still get to satisfy my craving for a sweet treat.
I also try to add walking into my day and free dance with the kids to festive holiday music.
Posted by: donna moore | November 15, 2010 at 05:20 PM
I try to walk a little extra every day. I can't say no to all indulgences, but I will try NOT to have a drink, an appetizer and also dessert. Maybe just 2 out of 3 :) There's mostly no choice but to park far away from the mall this time of year, and that helps squeeze in some extra walking, too!
Posted by: MelissaS | November 15, 2010 at 07:27 PM
There is a street locally that has the most/best over-the-top light/decoration displays. Walking it during the day and in the evening with the kids is a great way to get/keep moving!
Posted by: Headless Mom | November 15, 2010 at 07:39 PM
Only eat what you really love and if you try something and it isn't that good, you don't have to finish it.
Posted by: maggie | November 15, 2010 at 07:55 PM
Ooh, right up my alley. I try to eat a good meal with lots of veggies before going to a party, so I'll be too full to eat too many goodies. And anytime we go to a potluck or some place where we bring part of the meal, I make sure it's a salad, raw veggie tray, or something else low in fat/calories.
Posted by: mayberry | November 15, 2010 at 10:46 PM
Around the holidays, I definitely need to plan ahead to keep my weight under control. Stepping it up on my excercise plan and making sure I eat something full of protein to satisfy me before making cookies and sweets so that I don't have to "sample" them too much are some of my strategies.
Posted by: Lauren | November 16, 2010 at 06:17 AM
I make sure I eat plenty of vegetables and protein before I start in on dessert.
Posted by: Young Wife | November 16, 2010 at 09:36 AM
I think that the most important thing is to only splurge on the special occasions. Eat a sensible breakfast, not leftover beef stick (my personal weakness).
The other trick I remember is, "I can have it, just halve it". I can have a piece of pie! Just eat half of a regular slice instead of the whole thing.
If I really am watching my weight, at a party I'll limit myself to one or two half-portions to resist sampling everything.
Posted by: Emily C | November 16, 2010 at 11:18 AM
How about power shopping at the mall? Can't stop to buy a present until you make 2 circuits around at top speed. Plus, after a while you're doing it with bags on each arm.
Posted by: Lindsey | November 16, 2010 at 11:54 AM
I just try to keep it in moderation, small portions, little bites, eat slow and try and drink lots of water. Of course, now
this year I'm starting off with more poundage than usual, so I think I need to exercise more....
Posted by: karen | November 16, 2010 at 01:22 PM
On those days when temptations abound I have a spoonful of whatever I want. It's enough to get that first "oooh" taste and yet small enough where I don't worry so much. I also do something exercise related every day, whether it be an hour of yoga or walking, biking or dancing. And there's nothing more fun than putting your ibuds in and dancing around the house while cleaning, cooking or for just plain fun!
Posted by: Brandy | November 16, 2010 at 02:24 PM
Honestly? I just say screw it and enjoy the indulgence... I'll deal with the poundage in the sprng :)
Posted by: beth | November 16, 2010 at 07:04 PM
Exercise, exercse, exercise...
Posted by: A Simple Twist of Faith | November 16, 2010 at 09:39 PM
I haven't done very well with this in the past. Using weight watchers points right now, and am hoping that will see me thru the holidays
Posted by: Sarah | November 16, 2010 at 10:18 PM
MODERATION! And a bit of extra cardio works for me. We enjoy ourselves with just a hint of moderation. And then hit the gym at 6 AM.
Posted by: addy | November 16, 2010 at 10:56 PM
I'm keeping a food journal to make sure I don't go over on calories.
Posted by: Mami2jcn | November 17, 2010 at 11:22 AM
I find if I set an exercise goal for the week I am much more likely to stay on track. For example, exercise three times a week... its measurable so i usually get it in. Also, every Monday I step on the scale. This keeps me from obesessing, but helps me stay aware of the pounds and not be surprised. As for food-- choose only the most delicious item to sample.
Posted by: Kristie | November 17, 2010 at 06:00 PM
I love to see all of the Holiday decorations that are hung/placed outside this time of year. So my family and I take several extra walks each week to scope out the decorations. To keep things interesting, we vary our routes, and occasionally, we drive to new neighborhoods.
Posted by: Katie | November 17, 2010 at 09:03 PM
Avoid all those yummy dips at the holiday parties. The sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese really add up!
Too bad they're my favorite!
Posted by: Krissy M | November 18, 2010 at 02:19 PM
I tend to make better food choices when I keep track of everything I eat in my food journal (actually an app on my phone). Drink lots of water. And hey, it IS the holidays...indulge just a little bit. :)
Posted by: Tyler Reavis | November 20, 2010 at 09:46 AM
I keep to my exercise routine and try to fill up on protein and vegetables and then have a small amount of goodies
Posted by: Susan Smith | November 20, 2010 at 09:57 AM
There are so many natural non-sugar sweeteners out there now, it should be easy to enjoy a few treats. I just plan to make a few low cal treats to keep my sweet tooth satisfied, and take the dog for an extra walk after meals..
Posted by: Deborah Knutson | November 20, 2010 at 05:07 PM
I am somewhat careful when eating all the holiday goodies but I really don't worry about it until after the holidays to concentrate on being fit.
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Georgia | November 21, 2010 at 01:59 PM
Tweeted here too
http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/6421918865428480
gmissycat at yahoo dot com
Posted by: Georgia | November 21, 2010 at 02:02 PM
I STICK TO A STRICT WEIGHT WATCHERS DIET AND THAT'S WHAT WORKS FOR ME. OTHERWISE I THINK THIS WAY "OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND" [email protected]
Posted by: Kytah00 | November 21, 2010 at 05:46 PM
2ND ENTRY TWEET http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/6477994809884672 [email protected]
Posted by: Kytah00 | November 21, 2010 at 05:46 PM
I'm afraid that I'm the one that need tips...as I need to lose about 100 lbs. The holidays are so hard. I'm usually the one that does that majority of the cooking, and it's been a long standing tradition for me to back dozens, and dozens of cookies *sigh*
Thanks so very much for this wonderful giveaway. I really hope I win, as this would be a real help in paying for my Service Dog's medical treatment.
Posted by: Libby's Library News | November 21, 2010 at 05:50 PM
When the holidays come around it is the time to open weight watchers recipes and start cooking.
[email protected]
Posted by: Mary M | November 21, 2010 at 08:02 PM
I Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/6513134386810881
marybug2 at yahoo.com
Posted by: Mary M | November 21, 2010 at 08:04 PM
I have a "two-thirds/one-third" rule for my dinner plate. The entree, whatever it happens to be, can take up 1/3 of the plate. The remaining 2/3rds of the plate is filled with vegetables and fruit. This is a simple no-weighing no-measuring food plan that works for me.
Posted by: Jean D. | November 21, 2010 at 09:34 PM
Tweeted you!
http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/6536235354955777
Posted by: Jean D. | November 21, 2010 at 09:36 PM
I try to let myself have 1 treat daily (more than normal...but still manageable). Other than that, when loading my plate at holiday dinners, I try to make sure I can still SEE the plate under the food. :)
Posted by: Beth A. | November 22, 2010 at 12:37 PM
I'd love to say I'm a fountain of willpower during the holidays but...um...I'm not. I try to only indulge in treats that I really, really love (and those things that I only get once a year). I consider it a good year if I only gain a pound or two :)
Posted by: Cheri M. | November 22, 2010 at 01:15 PM
Um. Yeah. I have never been able to not put on a pound or 4, but I think that this year I will try small bites of what I want. then walk away. I found that depriving myself only makes the desire worse.
Posted by: Jennifer B | November 22, 2010 at 02:26 PM
I try not to eat until I'm soooo over-full ... and to keep up with my morning exercise. I also try to stay away from all of the eating-events at the office. Candy bowls, cakes, you name it, almost every afternoon. It's exhausting.
Posted by: Suziejd.wordpress.com | November 22, 2010 at 04:12 PM
If I'm craving something- I have it- just a small portion and then make sure I eat "healthy" as much as possible.
I'm also starting to use the ski-machine after my child heads to school for about 10-15 minutes each morning.
Posted by: Kikilia | November 22, 2010 at 07:41 PM
I try to walk the dog often and for long periods of time. It benefits both of us....believe me!
Posted by: Jenn W | November 22, 2010 at 07:41 PM
I like going for walks when the weather is not too cold. But I move to the treadmill if it gets too bad.
Posted by: Kerry | November 22, 2010 at 09:20 PM
tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/6895359464837120
Posted by: Kerry | November 22, 2010 at 09:23 PM
I do a lot of walking, usually two long walks a day, early in the morning and again after dinner.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Cathy W | November 23, 2010 at 03:18 AM
Tweeted: http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/6984914033446912
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Cathy W | November 23, 2010 at 03:19 AM
We try to do a lot of walking during the holidays - which in MN may not be much....otherwise my kiddos and I have a dance party...we play lots of fun music and just dance!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Posted by: Jody John | November 23, 2010 at 01:37 PM
I eat what I want, don't hog out, plus I try to walk/eliptical/bike before and after any big eating day.
Posted by: Beth | November 23, 2010 at 03:01 PM
I am far from fit, but I have been losing weight. I am trying to stay on track during the holidays by continuing to workout and by remembering that I don't need to indulge EVERY DAY as I did in the past.
Posted by: Vicky C | November 23, 2010 at 09:28 PM
I stop eating after 8 pm and limit dessert especially during the holidays and walk daily with kids so that they will be healthy also
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Tabathia B | November 24, 2010 at 01:14 AM
tweet
http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/7316323885387776
tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com
Posted by: Tabathia B | November 24, 2010 at 01:15 AM
I tend to park further away from the store even than necessary. It gives me a little extra exercise and hey.. there is always someone who needs a closer parking spot than I do!
Posted by: Denise | November 24, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Drink lots of water- you'll be less likely to over indulge on all those tasty goodies if you're well hydrated! Also, try to stay active! My son and my dog help to keep me moving.
Posted by: Emily | November 25, 2010 at 01:38 AM
Keep away from the fried foods and maybe get in a extra 20 minute cardio session before getting ready for any event. The exercise makes me think before I indulge.
Posted by: Lisa | November 26, 2010 at 08:57 AM
This year is easier for me. I'm chasing a toddler around, which keeps me pretty active.
In addition, we're blessed with gorgeous weather here in Florida, so we try to take regular family walks to stay active, as well as to take some time out from the chaos of family get-togethers and quiet ourselves a bit.
Posted by: Nicole | November 26, 2010 at 11:45 AM