When I got back to the office after the Thanksgiving food frenzy (of which I am as guilty as the next one) I began receiving calls from clients cancelling their appointments and requesting that we postpone meeting until after the New Year.  The calls were all from clients who have sought out nutrition counseling for weight loss and what surprised me was that all of them had experienced some weight loss success.  Was it their motivation or priorities that had shifted for the holiday season?

Studies show average weight gain from Thanksgiving to New Years is one pound.  Some people gain more and some lose weight.  But I have already begun hearing the groans from those around me recalling how they overate or indulged in high calorie foods.  Will they be gaining more than a pound this year or is the worry worse than the reality?

A good strategy is to keep practicing the new healthy habits that helped you lose weight this year.  It is also important to have a plan to navigate through the holiday challenges you will be facing when you are short on time, stressed or party hopping.  This is the way to maintain your weight loss and reduce the chance of weight gain. But how can we stay on track when time is short and we have so much to do? How does our health stay a top priority?

Speaking, or writing down a motivation for your behaviors will not only set the intention but will be a reminder and an affirmation of why you are choosing the healthier behavior. It can be as easy as setting reminders in your smart phone. One of my clients wrote down her weight goal and carried it in her purse to be mindful of her food choices.  Another client shared her behavior goals with her husband and now he points out to her when she is making a poor choice.

One of the first things to go when people get busy is their exercise regimen.  What a pity, since exercise not only burns the extra calories we are consuming but helps to increase our energy level and decrease our stress.  I urge everyone when they are away from their usual routine to wear a pedometer.  It is important to have accountability and a way to measure your success. Count all your steps from the time you get up to the time you go to sleep.  The steps you take gift shopping count, the steps you take cooking count, the steps you take cleaning the house count.  Make 10,000 steps a day your ultimate goal.  See how many steps you take the first few days then look for ways to add activities of daily living that will help you reach your goal.  At the mall, periodically take packages back to the car.  Walk around Target and locate your purchases before you get the shopping cart.  Walk to as many errands as you can.  Start a new tradition of a walk or basketball game at family gatherings.  Last Thanksgiving my daughter and I started a noon walk around the neighborhood and really enjoyed the fresh air, physical activity, catch-up conversation and the break from the work waiting in the kitchen.

Start your own new tradition for increasing physical activity and mindfulness around the holidays.  That way you can enjoy the treats of the season, guilt and stress free.

Eat Today For A Healthier Tomorrow!