Healthy Holiday Hints

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As we approach the homestretch to the holidays, aim high for the days of the week you’re going to workout! That way if you miss one you will not feel guilty and fall off track.

It concerns me that the fast pace of our lives leaves many open to ditching their workouts. Start by identifying which days will be best for you to fit in your longer workouts and go from there. Be creative and make up names your routines. For example, if cardio is your focus on e day, you may commit to a certain amount of “Jolly Jumping Jacks” or start your day with 100 “Christmas Crunches”. Exercise is not only important to help you keep your weight down, but also your stress level, this time of year. You will need the extra energy boost you get from "Holiday Interval Hops" to continue your motivation to fit it all in before the big day.

One of the things I found helpful as I worked toward my weight loss goal was establishing a support system. During the holidays, it is even more important to establish a buddy system, so you can stay healthy and on track. Let your co-workers and family know that despite the holidays, you are still committed to your goal. Asking them to help you reinforce good behavior and not sabotage you is also important. One of the hardest things for many about losing weight is following through on their goals. Having a strong support system is essential to help keep you on track. If you find someone is trying to sabotage your goal, approach them politely. Remember, you have the power to succeed.

Are you getting enough sleep this holiday season? Research has found that sleep deprivation can affect your body’s metabolism and hinder you getting results. You’re more likely to store fat and less likely to be able to burn it off due to a lower energy level. You will not only have continuous cravings for sugary and carbohydrate laden foods, you’ll be more likely to store those calories as fat. This is a recipe for disaster with so many tempting treats around this time of year. This can lead to high blood sugar levels and ultimately increased levels of insulin. All of this adds up to weight gain and an inability to lose weight easily. This can lead to an added stress level, decrease in workout performance and lack of motivation. So, check in with yourself and turn in early to stay energized.

Joanne Sgro is a Television Fitness Expert, Certified Personal Trainer and Sport Nutritionist. She is Certified in Pilates, Pre-natal/Post-Partum, Yoga and Senior Fitness. She specializes in Weight Loss, Post-Rehab and Post Cancer Training. Joanne's fitness plans and recipes are available globally on her website www.fitnessanswer.com. She resides in the Phoenix, AZ area with her fiancé, where she runs her personal training business, Fitness Answer, LLC.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.