Top 10 Healthy Holiday Eating Tips

Are you dreading the upcoming holiday season because of all the food, running around, and lack of time to care for yourself?  Here's my Top 10 Healthy Holiday Tips to keep your waist under control and to.....

1. Set a limit of how many "bad" things you'll eat.  It's OK to indulge during this special time of the year.  But it's not OK to eat as much as you like!  Setting a limit allows you to make choices and not take in too many extra calories.
2. Make healthy meals when you're at home.  You'll most likely be eating out a lot in the next few weeks due to parties, parties, and more parties!  So when you are at home, make the healthiest meals you can.  But don't make "diet" meals for you and "regular" meals for your family.  Just make ONE meal that's healthy for all of you.  Filling up on water and veggies will help you feel full.
3. Drink a large glass of water before you go out to a holiday party.  This will fill your belly and make you feel full.  You'll still be tempted by all the yummy treats, but feeling full will keep you from overindulging.
4. Keep granola bars in your purse for a healthy snack on-the-go.  Check out my earlier post for an easy recipe, or pick up a box of your favorite ones.  Believe it or not, eating 5 small meals a day will help you lose weight!  It'll keep you from overeating at meal-time, too.
5. Order a "skinny" coffee.  Ok, so I'm not a big fan of fat-free/sugar-free, BUT I'm guilty of overindulging at Starbucks during this time of year.  It's cold out and I just want to grab a yummy, warm coffee/mocha/cappuccino/latte when I'm out running errands.  If I stick to a small skinny drink, I save a LOT of extra calories.
6. Stop drinking diet drinks!  Ok, so that's contrary to the previous tip, but seriously, diet sodas and diet drinks in general only make you more likely to snack or want more food than you should consume.  Stick to water.  Keep a water bottle on hand with you when you're out and about!  Buy yourself a cute one that you'll be proud to take around town.
7. Research fast food nutrition online.  Seriously!  Go online and check out the calories in your favorite fast food menus.  Write down a couple items that are less than 400 calories and stick the list in your purse.  If you have to grab a bite to eat, choose something from your list. 
8. Log your food.  Use an online food diary like www.myfitnesspal.com.  It's FREE & it'll help you know what you are taking in.  You can also log your exercise, which leads me to the next tip....
9. Exercise!  Get up 30 min early and move your body.  Find a workout DVD you like, or go online for some simple exercises.  Get on the treadmill or eliptical.  Go to the gym.  Take a new class.  DO SOMETHING!  If you haven't been exercising and start now, doing so just 3 times a week will work off the extra calories you most likely will consume.
10. Get some accountability!  Find a group of friends, or at least ONE and ask them to help you stay accountable.  Make a virtual appointment to email or IM each other the next few weeks.

I'm linking up to Serenity Now's Weekend Bloggy Reading:

Coach Kelly's 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge!

This is a program designed for women who want to lose 40 pounds or more.  However, it's open to everyone!

I've decided to develop a program for people just like me.  In April 2011, I had a goal of 50 lbs to lose.  I know what it's like to look in the closet and just want to cry because nothing fits.  I know what it's like to get winded walking up stairs.  I know what it's like to feel guilt after gorging myself on bad food.  I know what it's like to make resolution after resolution....try diet after diet.........Now I'm happy to say that I'm down more than 40 and SO close to my goal! 

Begins: January 1, 2012
Ends: February 1, 2012

Guaranteed** results:
This will vary from person to person, but imagine yourself 10, 15, or even 20 lbs lighter. You’ll have more energy than you’ve had before…..you’ll need new clothes…and people will notice!

Requirements:
• Friend me on Facebook & post on my wall: "I want in the 30 Day Challenge!"

http://myshakeology.com/kellyabattles/

• Sign up for the Beachbody Challenge (Free!)
• Order Shakeology on HD* by December 20, 2011



What you get:
• 1 full meal replacement per day
• Shakeology recipes
• A beginner and intermediate workout
• Access to private FB group with daily inspiration
• Weekly phone calls from me to check your progress (we’ll set an appt. time)

Optional:
• Team Beachbody Club Membership ($38 for 3 months) – this will give you access to a personalized meal plan.
• Log your workouts into the Supergym online and be entered into the daily $500 drawing every time! (These don’t have to be the Shakeology workouts….log a 20 min walk!)
• Complete the Beachbody Challenge by sending in your results at the end of the 30 days and be entered to win up to $100,000 for your transformation!

BONUS: If we have a minimum of 8 participants, the person who logs the MOST workouts during the challenge wins $20 off Shakeology for February!

I was hesitant at first about promoting shakes to lose weight.  Personally, I have finally discovered that the secret to weight loss and long-term management is to change your lifestyle:  Exercise at least 3 times per week and eat healthy!  But when I signed up to be a Beachbody Coach, I decided to try Shakeology and see what all the fuss was about.

I must say.....Shakeology is amazing!  If you aren't eating right, or you're having difficulty with portion control, or you skip breakfast because you think it'll save you calories, then Shakeology is for you!  The ingredients are NATURAL.  My insides feel good when I have my Shakeology every morning.  It's easy.  It's convenient.  And you will feel different.  I promise!  And if that's not good enough, it comes with a "bottom of the bag" guarantee.  Seriously, you have nothing to lose but those excess pounds. 


*You can call and cancel autoship of Shakeology after your first shipment arrives to avoid any future charges, (by ordering it on “Home Direct” you receive FREE shipping & the FREE Shakeology workouts).
**If you are not satisfied with your results, you may contact Beachbody for a full refund (minus the shipping/tax) of your Shakeology order – yes, just send them the empty bag for your money back!