Avoid the Holiday Bulges

​If you are like most people, once the cold weather begins and the holidays approach, you start indulging in comfort food, processed foods and sweets. Did you know that the average person gains 7-10 lbs. just between Thanksgiving and Christmas? It’s no wonder that 1.5 million people are diagnosed with prediabetes (obesity) and diabetes each year.
Well, if you don’t want to be one of those statistics, take control and get a jump start with these tips to avoid the extra pounds.

1. Grazing – eating small healthy meals / snacks frequently throughout the day rather than 3 heaving meals helps balance your metabolism and keeps you feeling full. My go to snacks is cut up fresh veggies and hummus, raw organic nuts or organic berries.
2. Eat a brainy breakfast – your body needs the right fuel to get you thru the day and to help with productivity. Make sure to get a combination of complex carbs, the right fats and lean protein each morning to feed your brain and body.
3. Get up and move! All it takes is 20 minutes a day, 6 days a week to help build muscles, strengthen bones and get oxygen flowing thru your arteries to keep your heart healthy. Take a walk with a friend, do some gardening, or try a new yoga class.
4. Eat before you party! Have a healthy snack or light meal before you go to a holiday event so you are not tempted to eat the wrong foods. Most food tables are loaded with processed foods, high fats and sugars that make you feel bloated, cause inflammation and make you feel hungry sooner than later.
5. Follow the 80/20 rule. Don’t’ deprive yourself, but make better choices. I try to eat whole foods and cook from scratch throughout the week, then when we are socializing on the weekends, I can indulge with a cocktail and some of my guilty pleasures.

 
Let’s face it, it’s easy to hide that muffin top in bulky sweaters and coats, but learning how to read labels and ingredients and making better choices will help you stay young, feel better and look good for a long time. You will have more energy, fit in your clothes with ease, sleep better and your skin will benefit as well.
 
If you or someone you know is struggling to lose weight, want to prevent chronic illness or need healthy tips and recipes for you and your family to stay fit and healthy, please reach out. I would love to help educate and motivate you to be a healthier version of yourself.
 
 
Contact Donna Walter at donna.a.walter@gmail.com  
Donna Walter is a certified Health Coach thru Dr. Sears Wellness, a licensed Esthetician, Manicurist and Electrologist, offering non-toxic skin, nail and hair removal services. www.skincarebydonna.com