When Fitness is a Lifestyle

How to stay on track through the holidays!

I want to thank everyone who made it out to our open house! We had a great turnout, and I am very grateful for the support (checkout the pictures). It seems that the holidays are the most stressful time of the year, and the easiest time to abandon all the hard work you have put in throughout the year.

It does not have to be that way! Last weekend, I met the most delightful couple. They are in their 60’s. He has lost over 100 pounds, and she has lost over 80 pounds since January. I was struck by the fact that they did not have any magic lotion or miracle supplement. Nor did they have drastic surgery. What they had done was very simple, but effective. They tracked the food and drink they consumed with the BalanceLog by Healthetech. If they did not know the calories of a certain food, they did not eat it. They both stayed within their metabolic number, and stuck with it.

I never heard them offer any excuses for the weight they had gained over the numerous years. Nor did they expect to lose all the weight overnight.

Why do some people believe that they can do things part way, and receive full benefits? The holidays are not an excuse to eat like a pig, and then blame your weight gain on your slow metabolism. Just because the food choices are not the greatest at holiday parties, does not mean you need to eat all of them.  

Moderation is the key

Enjoy the turkey, all the trimmings and of course pumpkin pie, but do you really need second helpings? How about doing some exercise on Thanksgiving?

Watch out for portion sizes! A portion of food should fit in the palm of your hand and be no thicker than a deck of playing cards. Be sure to drink plenty of water. Soda pop and juice are loaded with sugar and can add up to a lot of unwanted calories. Keep a close eye on the amount of alcohol you consume. Alcohol has a lot of empty calories, and clouds your judgment.

You will improve your odds of success by eating a healthy meal before going out, and limiting the amount of alcohol consumed. 

 Bottom Line

Take care of yourself. You are ultimately responsible for your own health and well being. Excuses will never produce the results you want. Stop looking for the miracle diet when you know that the answer is these simple things;

1. Know and understand your metabolism using the BodyGem by Healthetech,

2. Keep an accurate account of all food and beverage intake,

3. Strength train,

4. Do aerobics in moderation,

5. Most importantly - stick with it!

If its been a while since I have seen you, please do not hesitate to come back in. I promise not to yell at you, or make you feel bad. My goal is to help you achieve your goals. Remember we are in this together. Functional Conditioning has been built on the promise that I will give you all the tools and support. Its your job to put it to use.

Happiness is not determined by your weight. It is how you feel, how your clothes fit, and knowing that you are going in the right direction. I hope you and your family have a healthy and happy holiday season.