How to survive the holiday feast without turning into a Grinch

‘Tis the season to…gain weight? Not if we can help it! The winter season can really do a number on your waistline, but with all the temptations that lurk around every corner, who can blame you? Nearly four months of the year are dedicated to eating—from indulging in that Halloween candy in October to the Thanksgiving pies to even MORE candy on Valentine’s Day. So what’s a dieter to do to avoid the seemingly inevitable weight gain during the holiday season? Muster up your motivation, folks, and check out these 10 ways to help plan for the impending food season:

10. Support, support, support! Encourage a friend to diet smart with you over the holidays (force may be necessary) so that you can help each other stay on track of your weight-loss goals when those extra portions start being passed around.

9. Plan ahead. Keep a food journal of the dishes that will be served at your holiday meals. Then decide what and how much you’re going to eat…and stick to it, so you don’t feel guilty later!

8. Don’t deny yourself your favorite holiday treats. During Turkey Season, it’s not so much about WHAT you eat, it’s about how MUCH of it you consume. So, enjoy your festive meal, but be mindful of those portions.

7. Set realistic goals! Don’t focus on LOSING weight during the holidays. Instead try to focus on controlling your cravings and hunger, and on maintaining your weight. Remember to stay on a smart eating plan. Scheduling your meals and and exercising will boost your confidence and keep that weight off. Speaking of which…

6. …remember to exercise! Make it a point to schedule in some physical activity before and after the big day hits. Not only will it help you burn that holiday fat, but exercise will help you ward off that sluggish and lethargic feeling that you get after one of those huge feasts.

5. A common holiday mistake that many people make is starving before the big meal. The way to avoid eating more than you anticipated is to eat a small, healthy snack an hour or so before you sit down to a big dinner. That way, you won’t be in a mad-rush to eat and will be less likely to over-indulge.

4. Forget fad diets! Experts have been saying for years that the best way to lose weight is to just eat a variety of healthy foods. So during this holiday season, make sure you’re your dinner menu has plenty of healthy (and appealing) alternatives that you can choose from. USE THE PINK PATCH to help you control your cravings and the munchies so you can maintain your weight and even lose weight during the holidays!

3. Have no idea how to cook a delicious holiday meal that doesn’t involve massive quantities of fat and sugar? Get yourself a holiday cookbook that caters to your diet needs! The Cooking Light Holiday Cookbook is a terrific reference with over 350 seasonal recipes that you can pick and choose from to make a hearty and healthy holiday meal.

2. Many families like to put out some snacks or appetizers while they’re sitting in the living room waiting for dinner to be served. It’s perfectly fine to have something to munch on, but make sure that you have healthy snacks around the house so that your appetizers don’t turn into a meal.

1. You’re probably spending a lot of time and money making sure that your loved ones are happy this holiday season, but it’s important to do a little something for yourself. With a fantastic new outfit, you can make sure that all eyes are on your rather than that turkey you just brought out of the oven.

But do you really want to know the best way to avoid gaining weight during the holiday season? Remember that the celebrations are really about spending time with your family and good friends…and not food!

How to survive the holiday feast without turning into a Grinch

‘Tis the season to…gain weight? Not if we can help it! The winter season can really do a number on your waistline, but with all the temptations that lurk around every corner, who can blame you? Nearly four months of the year are dedicated to eating—from indulging in that Halloween candy in October to the Thanksgiving pies to even MORE candy on Valentine’s Day. So what’s a dieter to do to avoid the seemingly inevitable weight gain during the holiday season?

Muster up your motivation, folks, and check out these 10 ways to help plan for the impending food season:

10. Support, support, support! Encourage a friend to diet smart with you over the holidays (force may be necessary) so that you can help each other stay on track of your weight-loss goals when those extra portions start being passed around.

9. Plan ahead. Keep a food journal of the dishes that will be served at your holiday meals. Then decide what and how much you’re going to eat…and stick to it, so you don’t feel guilty later!

8. Don’t deny yourself your favorite holiday treats. During Turkey Season, it’s not so much about WHAT you eat, it’s about how MUCH of it you consume. So, enjoy your festive meal, but be mindful of those portions.

7. Set realistic goals! Don’t focus on LOSING weight during the holidays. Instead try to focus on controlling your cravings and hunger, and on maintaining your weight. Remember to stay on a smart eating plan. Scheduling your meals and and exercising will boost your confidence and keep that weight off. Speaking of which…

6. …remember to exercise! Make it a point to schedule in some physical activity before and after the big day hits. Not only will it help you burn that holiday fat, but exercise will help you ward off that sluggish and lethargic feeling that you get after one of those huge feasts.

5. A common holiday mistake that many people make is starving before the big meal. The way to avoid eating more than you anticipated is to eat a small, healthy snack an hour or so before you sit down to a big dinner. That way, you won’t be in a mad-rush to eat and will be less likely to over-indulge.

4. Forget fad diets! Experts have been saying for years that the best way to lose weight is to just eat a variety of healthy foods. So during this holiday season, make sure you’re your dinner menu has plenty of healthy (and appealing) alternatives that you can choose from.

3. Have no idea how to cook a delicious holiday meal that doesn’t involve massive quantities of fat and sugar? Get yourself a holiday cookbook that caters to your diet needs! The Cooking Light Holiday Cookbook is a terrific reference with over 350 seasonal recipes that you can pick and choose from to make a hearty and healthy holiday meal.

2. Many families like to put out some snacks or appetizers while they’re sitting in the living room waiting for dinner to be served. It’s perfectly fine to have something to munch on, but make sure that you have healthy snacks around the house so that your appetizers don’t turn into a meal.

1. You’re probably spending a lot of time and money making sure that your loved ones are happy this holiday season, but it’s important to do a little something for yourself. With a fantastic new outfit, you can make sure that all eyes are on your rather than that turkey you just brought out of the oven.

But do you really want to know the best way to avoid gaining weight during the holiday season? Remember that the celebrations are really about spending time with your family and good friends…and not food!

How to Talk to your Doctor

It’s much easier said than done, right? But in reality, starting an open dialogue with your doctor can be difficult for some people. It might be the stigma that is associated with physicians, the idea of sitting on a cold table in a white apron might not be so appealing, or you might be hesitant to make a suggestion or ask a question. Whatever the problem is, the fact remains that many people just don’t speak up in the doctor’s office.

You deserve to have the best health care possible! Even though your doctor should be aware of your health issues, YOU are your own best advocate for your body. The key to getting the most out of your health care provider is all about communication. It’s a proven fact that people who are more open with their doctors receive better medical care and consequently stay healthier and heal faster.

Think of it this way—your doctor has an expert knowledge of medical issues. In turn, you have an expert knowledge of your body and its symptoms. Your doctor won’t be able to fully comprehend and address your concerns until you take the initiative and share some of what you know.

Try these five steps to see if you can open up with your physician:

· Ask questions. It is your right as a patient to know what is going on with your body. Come to the doctor’s office with a list of prepared questions, so nothing is left out or forgotten. You can even take notes when the doctor is talking if that will help you to listen better and remember important details for later.

· Prepare for your visit. Doctors are under an incredible amount of pressure to keep their patient visits as brief as possible. Make the most of your limited time with your physician and be prepared to address the health issues that you’re facing. A common mistake to avoid—patients often suddenly remember their concerns and problems as they’re half-way out the door. Talk to your physician when he/she has your undivided attention so you don’t have to schedule another visit.

· Make sure your doctor knows what you want. Getting the most out of your visit means that you should communicate your wants and needs to your doctor. If you have a problem with the care that you are receiving or if you have a concern that is going unrecognized, don’t be afraid to speak up!

· Talk about what’s bothering you. Your doctor should be asking you about your lifestyle and any emotional issues you might have. If topics aren’t being addressed or if you are feeling anxious about your physical condition, you should be talking to your doctor about how you feel. He or she may have some reassuring words that may put you at ease.

· Be an educated patient. Take some responsibility for your own health! By learning everything you can about your condition, you can actively be involved in making some healthy lifestyle changes. After all, once you leave the doctor’s office, the rest is up to you!

To sum it all up…don’t leave the doctor’s office confused and with unanswered
questions! Being an active patient doesn’t mean that you have to be overly aggressive with your physician, but make sure that your needs are met before you leave. If you feel comfortable and confident in your doctor, chances are that you will become motivated to live a healthier life!