FFF Diva Advice: Holiday Survival Guide

Did you know that the average holiday weight gain for a person is 5-10lbs? Unbelievable right? Well to combat the battle of the holiday bulge I decided to sign up and commit to a 3 week mini holiday boot camp. Interested? Check out: www.operationbootcamp.com.

I attend the OBC in San Jose, CA but there are many other locations on the East Coast. If you hail from the ATL or Chicago it's definitely worth the look! I always feel supported by my fellow campers especially during this crucial holiday season which could make you or break you (health goals wise that is).

Below is an email one of my instructors sent to us campers. Enjoy the useful advice...

Hello Campers,

Many of us overeat during the holidays. An occasional overindulgence will not sabotage your efforts, but the abundance of food usually continues from Thanksgiving to New Year's - and adds up to an extra 5 to 10 pounds of weight gain.

Is this a familiar situation?

"You overstuff yourself with thousands of calories at Thanksgiving. You feel that you've blown it, so the next day it doesn't matter if you overstuff again with leftovers. Then you rationalize that its only four weeks to Christmas with many parties and festivities, it becomes your New Year's resolution to lose weight."

This situation is not inevitable. You can maintain control of your weight and still enjoy the holday season to its fullest.

Here are some Strategies:

1. revise your typical holiday meal to lower the fat content

2. choose those foods that are special for the time of year (i.e. have the stuffing but pass on the bread)

3. do not starve yourself that day, eat breakfast and a small snack

4. exercise that morning to start the day off right or plan a walk after the meal

5. continue to exercise as usual throughout the holidays

6. do not wear elastic waisted clothing -- they expand with you

7. set realistic goals, which may simply be to maintain your weight during the holidays

8. think of the phrase "overstuff your turkey, not yourself" as you are eating your holiday meal.

Enjoy your family and friends focus on them not on the food, and have a wonderful and healthy holiday season.

Remember: ONLY YOU can prevent weight gain during this holiday season. Plan ahead before you attend your next holiday party---your body will thank you later on!

Your FFF Diva,
Mo