Sometime between Christmas Eve and New Years Day, cookies seem to be within easier reach, drinks taste even yummier, and joining family and friends for wonderful parties leave little time to squeeze in a workout. While it may not be realistic to improve your health over the holidays, you can do your best to make sure it does not go off track. Here are 7 things you can do to celebrate with outgoing overboard.
What are your party survival tricks?
1. Walk it off. Park as far as you can from the party (safely). Or, better yet, take public transit. Can't walk 5 blocks in 3 inch heels? Wear your boots and change shoes at the party. It may sound silly, but you won't ruin your expensive holiday shoes and you'll burn about 10 calories for every block you walk. No one is going to be laughing at your when you show off your rockin bod under that winter jacket!
2. Forgo all the "extras".If you are used to toasting in the New Year, go ahead, but stick to the basics. Champagne cocktails can have as many as 200 calories per glass once you add in juice and Triple Sec, so stick to a glass of Champagne - only 80-90 calories for a 3 oz glass and just as festive.
3. Make sure one hand is holding water. Holiday parties are full of fun, family, friends, and high calorie food. If you mix calorie laden drinks and full fat appetizers, you'll walk out potentially 2000 calories heavier! When you arrive at your party, ask for a glass of water (sparkling water if you want to make it festive). With water in hand, you are never "double fisting it" with soaring calorie food and drinks.
4. Brush and floss right before a party. Your dentist will be proud. AND, if those pearly whites are as sparkling as the Christmas tinsel before you leave your house, you'll think twice before downing that crab cake with cream sauce the moment you walk into the party.
5. Eat! You've heard it before, but it is still true: Don't starve yourself all day. If you are less hungry you will not be as likely to overeat. An apple, slice of turkey, and cup of chicken noodle soup 2 hours before the party is a great snack and will give you the energy to dance the night away!
6. Get moving. Speaking of dancing, if there is music, get out on the dance floor. If the party is just a cocktail hour, don't let yourself sit down. Make a goal of talking with 10 people at the party and walk around to see them. Standing still at the bar or in that super comfy chair is just asking for trouble.
7. Workout, even once. Even if you can only workout once or twice over the next 10 days, do it. Make your workout fun - go to the ice rink, walk around the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, or have a snowball fight. Whether it is going to the gym, going for a walk, or popping in a DVD of your favorite workout video, 10 minutes is better than nothing. Have the kids walk or workout with you and make it a family affair.
What are your party survival tricks for not sabotaging your health? Good luck in maintaining your healthy successes from 2010 and I look forward to ringing in a healthier and happier 2011!
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