Watch Out for Fall Food Fumbles!
Fall is often the time that people get derailed from their weight loss efforts! They’ve worked hard all summer long to achieve or maintain a leaner figure so they could feel more comfortable and wear those stylish shorts, summer dresses, and swimsuits. By the time fall hits they’re ready for a break and unfortunately that often means putting on some weight.
Have you started to fumble on your weight loss plan? I’m not much of a football fan but I do know that a fumble could mean the difference between winning and losing the game.
Take inventory now…What’s putting you at risk for gaining weight this fall?
• Following a quick fix diet or unrealistically low calorie goal this past summer.
• Shorter days and cooler weather limiting your outdoor activities and exercise.
• Holiday candy at the office.
• Tailgate parties and holiday gatherings – rich foods and alcoholic beverages.
• Baking more often in the spirit of the season.
• Comforting winter-time beverages like eggnog, lattes, and hot chocolate.
• Exhaustion from running around town buying gifts and preparing for the holidays.
• Climbing stress levels from all there is to be done before the New Year.
• Dwindling sleep as your mind spins with overwhelming thoughts of ….
• Depressed mood with the change of the seasons.
If you’re not aware of where you might fumble, the odds are stacked against you! All of these can influence you to make poor choices. For example, the more time you spend after work or on the weekends trying to cram in your holiday shopping, the less time you’ll spend planning and preparing a healthy meal…. For many individuals this means a quick stop at the nearest fast food restaurant or shopping mall eatery.
The good news is that, now that you’re reading this, you’ve become more aware so you can head these off, and be successful at avoiding weight gain this fall.
Try these solutions:
• Be sure to get plenty of sleep (most ideal is 7 - 8 hours per night).
• Start your holiday gift shopping early rather than putting it off until the last minute.
• Sit down once or twice per week to plan out your dinner meals.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Eat a snack before you go to a party so you’re not famished when you get there.
• Set aside some time to relax and de-stress (try just 15 minutes per day).
• Have fun baking your holiday goodies – freeze a few for yourself, then wrap the rest up as gifts for neighbors and coworkers.
• Limit specialty beverages that are loaded with calories.
• Look for healthier options to your favorite treats, like low fat eggnog vs. regular eggnog (you can even dilute the eggnog with nonfat milk and still get the yummy flavor without all the extra calories).
• Use recipe substitutions like fruit purees (apple butter) instead of butter or margarine in baking.
Take a minute to reflect on where you’re most likely to fumble. Now, set one or two goals to make sure you bounce back and protect yourself against those unwanted pounds!
Need help taking action? Click here to get support from Ursula Ridens and discover how you don’t have to be on a rigid diet to succeed! Visit http://www.ursularidens.com/ to learn more about Ursula and her passion to help you achieve your health and weight loss goals through realistic lifestyle changes.
