Just How can we stay Healthy and Fit thru this Holiday season? Just How can we keep Healthy and Fit thru this Holiday season?

Just How can we stay Healthy and Fit thru this Holiday season?

Just How can we keep Healthy and Fit thru this Holiday season?
BY Thomas Cain

Well the Holidays are here. Most of us, it's a time of eating, drinking and socializing. A time to let loose until January 1 2009. Most of us will eat till they're bloated, drink till they smashed and will definitely skip workouts. When January 1 hits, we will make a resolution to get back in shape, eat right, Diet and Exercise. Why not try staying in shape throughout the entire season. It only takes a little planning, determination and willpower.It's much easier to maintain our physical condition than it is to start all over again on January 1st – especially as we get older. The longer a body is out of shape, the harder it will be to get it back in shape again.
The most important thing to remember during the holiday season is to NOT overeat or over drink. Try these helpful pointers to help you through the holidays:
when at a party or gathering, SAMPLE the food, don't make a meal of it.
If attending a potluck, bring a low fat/calorie dish you can enjoy.
Don't feel obligated to eat more than you want.
Drink lots of water. The water will help you feel full and it is easy to become dehydrated during the cooler months. Force yourself to drink more water than you want.
Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol decreases your willpower to hold back over eating and adds calories. Drink water or a non-alcoholic beverage between each drink.
Snack on lower calorie foods like vegetables and fruits rather than the sweet, fat or salty types of snacks.
Decide ahead of time what and how much you are going to eat and drink
Allow yourself to enjoy some holiday treats without feeling guilty. At a party, pick a favorite "treat", but only eat that one.
Talk and mingle rather than sit down lounging and continuosly eating.
Eat when you are hungry and only the amount you need in smaller portions, Don't eat just to feel you are being more sociable
Eating right is only part of it. When the colder weather of winter hits and the days are shorter, it's very easy to hibernate. But it is very important to stick with an active lifestyle. Remember, summer will be here very soon, work toward that, don't make it harder on yourself by waiting. You'll be Pleased you did.
There are many ways to stay active, whether it's indoors or outdoors. It just takes drive and motivation to do it. Don't let the shorter, colder days of winter make you lazy.
How do you Stay active indoors:
Workout to a home exercise or an aerobic video.
Go to the gym: work out on your own, bring a friend for mutual support or take a class. Do something different.
Don't make This years resolution to get in shape, stay in shape year round. Don't fall into that trap.
Keep on a regular pac; keep up with a regular program. Don't put things off or say oh well I will do it tommorrow, those are simply excuses to justify slacking off.
Ice Skate, Ski, Cross country ski. Why not get the whole family together and do something active together.
Take a brisk walk at break or Lunchbreak instead of instead of waiting to get home when you may be more fatiqued or let the darkness of the day discourage you.
When exercising outdoors it's important to keep a few things in mind:
Dress appropriately for the weather and the conditions. This calls for Footing on icy surfaces, good protection against the weather elements like the wind, cold, rain and snow.
Wear layers of clothing that can be removed or even put back ondepending on activity level and weather.
Try stretching indoors before going out to exercise.
Stretch before and after a workout, it will help protect against soreness and avoid injuries. In cold weather it is very Important to:
As always it is important to drink plenty of water.
If its dark outside wear clothing that has reflective material, bright colors and carry a flashlight in your pocket flashlight.
Carry a cellphone or 2 way radio for emergencies.

Most important of all is to continue to stay active and eat as well as you possibly can while having fun. If you end up gaining a few extra pounds don't sweat it because that is normal during the cold winter monthes. Simply try to remain alert of how much you eat and exercise accordingly. If you just have to have a second piece of that pecan pie, Go for it, but make up for by continuing to stay active. If you stay active you will burn it right off
Keep active, Have fun, eat wisely and Most important of all,
Have a Happy Holiday season.

Please note: This article was first published on Qassia.com!