How to Keep Pounds Off During Winter Months

By Susan Donovan

JCC Director of Fitness Services

The holiday season might not be the best time to start losing weight, but it doesn’t have to be a time gain extra pounds and affect your health. Here are some ways to keep yourself, and your weight balanced over the holidays.

1. SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUT ROUTINE OR JUST MOVE MORE

Plan to move your body every day. When you make the decision to be more active, decide when and how you are going to do it. And when things come up, just decide to work them into your busy day – walk more, take the stairs, and find ways to keep your body active even if it’s in 10 minute bursts.

2. EXPLORE FUN WAYS TO GET THE FAMILY MOVING

Family gatherings usually involve food and sitting around. Get everyone outside any way you can. Re-invent old traditions in movement-based ways. Instead of sitting around talking about what you’re thankful for, have everyone share that while they’re out on a walk together.

3. LIST YOUR TOP 2-3 FAVORITE TREATS DURING THE HOLIDAYS & COMMIT TO HAVING ONLY THOSE

We’ve all got our favorites. List just a few of them, and stick to just them so you can enjoy your favorites without the guilt. 4. SHOP WELL FOR YOURSELF Stock your kitchen with healthy foods and have them handy. The more convenient they are, the more likely you are to eat them. Instead of thinking about what you shouldn’t eat, learn how to enjoy eating better choices

5. KEEP SUGAR OFF OF YOUR VEGETABLES

Let there be no glazing of carrots this year. Sugar has no place on vegetables. This year, find ways to make recipes that are both delicious and nutritious.

6. JUST SAY NO

You probably aren’t aware how much extra food you consume just from people offering it to you. Just think twice before you take that food and decide if you really want it.

7. HYDRATE

Keep your water bottle with you at all times. For health purposes, it’s recommended that you drink half of your body weight in ounces, so fill up a large water bottle and sip throughout the day

8. SEEK OUT NEW WAYS TO MANAGE STRESS

Stress raises cortisol, affects your insulin, and makes fat burning a tough process. Breathe deep every day, chew your food longer and don’t hesitate to use the word NO.

9. GET YOUR GOALS IN CHECK NOW & LINE UP YOUR 2018 PLAN

Why wait until January? Start working on a few healthy goals now - think of it as practice! Write down and plan for your healthy goals, set a schedule that will work into your lifestyle and explore ways to achieve them.

Remember the key is desire, motivation and a good plan – you bring the desire and let our fitness experts at the JCC help you with a sensible plan and all the motivation you need to be successful!

January will bring a newly renovated JCC Fitness Center at 360 Amity Road, new fitness programs appropriate for all ages and fitness levels, and a brand new online weight loss program that is not only easy to follow, but easy to schedule, with follow-up accountability. So enjoy your friends, family and all the wonderful traditions of the holidays with a mantra of moderation in everything!

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