Healthy Holiday Parties - A Survival Guide
Posted: Tuesday, December 22, 2009
by Jason Kozma
Personal Trainer Los Angeles
Print out this article and create your own holiday cheat sheet to help you get through the holidays feeling healthy and happy.
A cheat-sheet gives you an unfair advantage - it supplies you with what you need to get ahead.
How would you like a cheat-sheet for getting through holiday parties without putting on a single pound?
You're in luck, because below I have outlined the 5 shortcuts you need to avoid gaining holiday party pounds.
Your Holiday Party Cheat-Sheet
Short Cut #1: Eat a sensible meal before the party. You should always arrive at parties with a full stomach. Yes, this goes against the grain, where most people starve themselves before attending a holiday event, and that's exactly why most people gain weight. Since your stomach will be full, you'll have the clarity to pick and choose the treats that you really want, rather than stuffing yourself with everything in sight.
Short Cut #2: Bring a healthy dish to share. Don't worry if the party that you're going to isn't a potluck - The host will appreciate your thoughtfulness and you'll have a healthy dining option.
Short Cut #3: Never drink calories. Do you realize how quickly calories add up when you're slurping them out of a cup? Alcoholic beverages and sweet holiday drinks are simply packed with calories. These calories don't take up much room in your stomach so you're left wide open for even more calories.
Your best strategy is to avoid these beverages altogether, and stick with water. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses of water at the party.
Short Cut #4: Fill your plate, but only once. I'm certainly not going to tell you that you shouldn't eat anything at the party. By all means, go and fill up your plate. But only once.
That's right, you heard me. No going back for seconds. Since you've already eaten a sensible meal before arriving, this rule is going to be easier to keep than you think.
Short Cut #5: Taste dessert, just a taste. The holidays are all about sweet treats, so go ahead and partake. But just a taste. Desserts should be savored in small bites, not used as something to fill up on.
And since you ate a sensible meal before you came, then you filled up your dinner plate once you're probably going to be pretty full at this point anyway.
That's it - all you need to know to not gain a single pound at holiday parties.
As for the rest of the year?
Wouldn't you love to make 2010 the year that you transform your body?
Wouldn't it feel great to throw out all of your fat clothes? To look forward to bathing suit season? To be given a clean bill of health from your doctor? And to be showered with compliments by family, friends and that special someone?
It's not just a pipe dream, it can be your reality, but you'll need to take massive action.
Many personal training programs are designed to quickly and efficiently get you into the best shape of your life. Do it now before the New Year's rush, you'll be glad you did.
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Mr. America Jason Kozma works with people of all fitness levels: from beginners to competitive bodybuilders and fitness competitors. We also offer a comprehensive online personal training and nutrition program. Contact us at Los Angeles Fitness or call at (310)772-5105 to make an appointment to change your life.
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