Turkey Daze

Hi friends, well it's that time of year when we either look forward to or dread the holidays and the beginning of "feast" season.  The annual 'stuffing' of the bird and/or 'stuffing' of ourselves begins next week with Thanksgiving.  So here are five good ideas to think about when facing the onslaught of holiday parties and family dinners.  1) Think ahead of time about how you will handle social occasions.  Never go to a dinner or party when you are starving. Always eat a small meal of protein or fiber first - an apple, hummas, string cheese or veggies will help curb hunger.  2) Find lower calorie versions of your favorite dishes and trim the fat.  3)  Think portion control - if you are going to eat the green bean casserole, have half the portion of what you would usually have -- have a taste, not a super size portion.  3)  Watch the holiday drinks. For every alcoholic drink, drink a large glass of water or switch to a lower calorie drink like a wine spritzer, or go alcohol free, with sparkling cider or tonic and lime.  4)  Keep up your exercise, even if it several short walks during the day to burn calories.  5)  If your work place becomes a free-for-all buffet of goodies, bring something you can eat instead, like a fruit plate, veggies and hummas, or dried fruit and whole almonds or nuts without salt.

It's not easy to do -- environment will always trump willpower (even for the most disciplined, it can be a struggle), so control the environment and it will be half the battle against weight gain between now and the new year. 

November arrives!

Wow, the year is almost over.  Have you reached the goals you set for yourself in January?  It's not too late to start. Today I met with a new client whose goals are to improve her flexibility, balance and to lose weight. She has some other physical changes too -- more than most people. But her willingness to begin the process is what is important. She wants to change. She needs someone to help her, to motivate and yes, push her a little.  Working on her own has not produced the results she wants.  So, what about you?  The holidays are almost here.  How do you plan to spend the winter season?  Hiding under clothes or going to parties looking and feeling great.  Your choice.  I'd love to join you in making the choice for fitness!