The holidays are a great time to celebrate with family and friends. As a result they are also associated with an abundance of food and a decrease in physical activity. This results in  weight gain, which can cause aches and pains.  Your ideal weight during the holidays can be easy to achieve with the Ideal Protein weight loss method and a little bit of discipline and planning. This can be one of the healthiest holiday seasons you’ve ever had.

10 Simple Steps

1. Always try to plan your meals, at least two to three days ahead (remember to include dining out and snacks)
2. Be conscious about what you eat at all times (portion control!)
3. Always exercise at least two to three times a week (a brisk walk counts!!)
4. Limit your alcohol intake (moderation is key)
5. Drink more water (64 ounces per day minimal)
6. Find healthy alternatives to traditional holiday foods
7. Find ways to make physical activity a part of your family holiday experience
8. Change your workouts to keep yourself motivated
9. Savor the flavor of holiday foods – opt for quality, not quantity
10. Learn to say “no” to certain foods and don’t give in to the social pressures of eating

If you are trying to lose weight, the holidays can be a challenging time.

 Tips To Stay On Track

• Make sure your diet and exercise program is something you can stick with.
• This is a time to indulge a little, but remember to do so with portion control in mind.
• Place a sticky note or picture of “where you want to be” on your refrigerator or mirror.
• Try to share your health and wellness goals with as many people as you can.
• Drink at least 64 ounces of water/day (more if you drink caffeine). Carry a glass of water around with you at parties.  Start your day with drinking water before you eat or drink anything else.
• Try to reach for the healthiest foods when you are hungry.
• Do Not go grocery shopping on an empty stomach.
• Did you know that hot drinks are satiating? Drink all the hot tea you want and it will help you feel full!!
• Try not to eat after 8pm.
• Add cinnamon to your hot drinks and foods.  Cinnamon has been shown to have lots of health benefits including lowering LDL cholesterol and regulating blood sugar.
• Foods to avoid:  pasta, rice, potatoes, legumes, breads, sweet peas, corn, fruit juice, fruit, nuts, soda, candy, alcohol
• More weight loss tips: http://www.idealdietsarasota.com/

                                        

 Physical Activity

Physical Therapy/Massage Therapy