Three Secrets to Losing Weight Over the Holidays

Recent research suggests that the average person only gains a couple of pounds over the holidays. So why worry about it? Because the bad news is that the research also shows they never lose those pounds. In fact, on average, most people gain one to two pounds a year over their lifetime and guess what – the holidays may be to blame for that one to two pounds. The research also shows that if you recently lost weight, or are overweight, you will have a harder time maintaining over the holidays and may gain five pounds or more!
I used to say – “It isn’t what you eat between Christmas and New Year’s, it’s what you eat between New Year’s and Christmas!” But if you don’t have a strategy, a plan, this quote may not stand true.
Even better, why not come up with a strategy to lose one to two pounds of fat over the holidays while most people are gaining?
Strategize what your plan is going to be and then set yourself up for success with these three secrets:
1. Most important this time of year, do not skip your workouts! People who stay consistent with their exercise regimen are much more likely to maintain or lose weight over the holidays.
2. Throughout the holidays think ahead. Which splurges should you absolutely plan on enjoying over the next couple of weeks? Pull out a calendar and write them down. In order to lose one to two pounds over the holidays, your food choices need to be healthy 90 percent of the time. You really can enjoy every food you love, every experience you want to have, and everything about the holidays, and not completely blow it. Planning ahead and having a strategy is key. Make plans now to splurge when you will enjoy it the most, and the rest of the time eat foods that will fuel your body and give you energy and vitality – lean protein, fruits, and veggies. Have a wonderful holiday and enjoy your splurges guilt-free!
3. Be aware of black and white thinking, on or off, good or bad.  Maybe this sounds familiar: “I may as well not even try and just start in January.” Do not do this! You’ll be sorry when you have an extra one to five pounds to drop in January. Instead, plan ahead by using the above strategies of keeping your workouts consistent and planning your splurges to come out of the holidays looking and feeling fabulous at your New Year’s Eve party!
To keep you motivated throughout the holidays, Results Fitness is offering the community of Santa Clarita a way to get in one workout a week while helping the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer. Beginning Saturday, November 28th (the Saturday after Thanksgiving) and every Saturday until Christmas, bring a new, unwrapped toy to Results Fitness and take a group fitness class for free! Stay consistent and help those in need!
Results Fitness is located at 24420 Walnut Street (corner of Lyons Avenue and Walnut Street) in Newhall. To learn more or for group class schedule go to www.results-fitness.com or call 661-799-7900.  Happy holidays!