Amy Culver - The Queen Of Lean

2010:
Click here for articles

12/19/09
Work around holiday calories

12/05/09
Holiday havoc for diet

11/21/09
Thanksgiving tips: portions, slow eating

11/07/09
Think past holidays for good health

10/24/09
Halloween tips (Time to start work on holiday plan)

10/10/09:
Food journals help weight loss

09/26/09:
Healthy examples can inspire others

09/12/09:
Good time to start walking routine

08/29/09:
Take time to care for yourself

08/15/09
Indulge once in a while, just be careful not to make a habit of it

08/01/09
Patience and consistency key to weight loss

07/18/09
Heat no excuse to be a laggard

07/04/09
Morbidly obese need support

06/20/09:
How to stay trim on vacation

06/06/09:
Calorie counting easy, effective

05/23/09:
Produce is health at your fingertips

05/09/09:
Tips when counting calories

04/25/09:
Want to lose weight?  You should count calories

04/11/09:
Live healthfully to keep off weight

03/28/09:
Weight loss makes cents, too

03/14/09:
Family, pals can be saboteurs

02/28/09:
Logging food key to weight loss

02/14/09:
Keeping weight off is a battle

01/31/09:
Monitoring diet part of process

01/17/09:
Some tips for selecting a gym

01/03/09:
Start New Year on diet track

2008:
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Work around holiday calories

At this time of year, we find ourselves spending more time than usual with family and friends.  These wonderful people can be both a help and a hindrance to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Many will show up with that one famous and irresistible dish that you only get once a year.

And then there are the "food pushers."  These folks want you to "just try a bite" or "taste this and tell me what you think."  Then there is the aunt who will be brokenhearted if you don't have an extra helping of that dessert that she made just for you.

Oh my, what to do?

One thing about family traditions is that they are consistent.  This means you can plan for them and plan around them.  If you can't figure out a way to say "no" to the food pusher, then you need to figure out how to work those calories into your day.

Prioritize your food choices.  If there is a once-a-year treat that you really do love, have some.  And enjoy it.  Don't waste calories on stuff you can do without or get any time of the year.

Be sure and delegate as much as possible.  Perhaps the kids are ready for new responsibilities this year?  Wrapping gifts, cleaning up, or decorating windows?

But don't forget, the purpose of the holidays isn't food.  There is so much more.  Enjoy your family, soak up the warmth and love, not the eggnog, it's a lot healthier and come January, you'll have happy memories to look back on instead of regrets.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!