The holidays may not quite feel like a vacation -- weather-wise, at least -- but, between the parties and cookie exchanges, you might as well be on an all-inclusive trip to Cancun. And, when December rolls around, frost isn't the only thing that bites. Most of us take extra bites as well, which often show up on your holiday bonus, meaning bonus numbers on the scale of course.
Here are a few tips for making it through the holidays without acquiring a Santa-esque physique:
- Take the stairs. Exercise equipment -- the StairMaster, for example -- can be expensive. Not only does taking the high road save you money and calories, it saves time, too. In fact, researchers at one Canadian hospital found that when they had doctors take the stairs instead of the elevator, it saved an average of 15 minutes out of the workday.
- Wish for fitness. We all know you can't wish for a 6-pack, or for those last five pesky pounds to magically disappear. Well, technically you can, but its effectiveness is debatable. But, you certainly can add fitness apparel, or health magazine subscriptions to your list for Santa. A few Dry Fit tees hanging in your closet or an issue of Fitness magazine staring you down from your coffee table will keep exercise top of mind.
- Don't arrive hungry. Between the Yuletide season and ringing in the New Year, there's a good chance you'll be munching away at extra sugar-laden treats and probably imbibing as you make merry. Brighten up your pre-party meals by opting for whole foods -- like a fruit or vegetable -- so you can enjoy the social scene without ravenously noshing your night away at the appetizer table.
- Set limits. Everyone seems to rekindle their on-off relationship with their sweet tooth during the month of December. And, that's OK. But, downing a glass of egg nog, polishing off the apple pie and going for your sec--I mean third gingerbread cookie all in one sitting is not. Limit yourself to one serving of sweets a day. Or, if that's too much to ask, stick the extra sweets in your office's kitchen or share them with your child's basketball team to avoid the temptation altogether.
- Carve it out. And no, I'm not talking turkey. Time is of the essence -- especially during the holidays -- which means when you don't necessarily have it, you need to make it. Set your alarm for a few minutes earlier and sneak in a quick cardio session while the kids are asleep or go for a walk during your lunch break. If the chilly weather has you down then borrow a fitness DVD from the library or give BODYROCK.tv a go for your very own at-home gym, free of charge.
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