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For weeks, you have tracked your food and exercised regularly to improve your health and alter the shape of your body. More than a "diet" or a fitness fad, you've created real lifestyle changes and built the confidence that you can stick with it for the long haul. So why is the winter holiday season so intimidating—even scary—for so many? The answer is complex. Sure, there's the food. Unlike other food-centric holidays like Valentine's Day or Halloween, the winter holiday season lasts for weeks. There are more parties, more potlucks, more food gifts, more cookies and well, just more everything! And these temptations won't be going away any time soon. Then there's the stress. Buying gifts, volunteering, decorating, cooking and party hopping often take the place of cooking healthy meals at home or hitting the gym. Like an infant sitting on Santa's lap for the first time, it's no wonder we're scared of the holidays and the infamous weight gain they encourage. How can we keep up with a healthy diet and fitness program—let alone lose weight—with all of this going on around us, day after day? That answer is simple: Stick with your plan. You've overcome temptations and slip-ups before. Every day poses challenges, yet you remain strong and continue to make progress toward your goals. Why should the holidays be any different? If you want to lose weight this month, you can. You just have to choose to stay in control, one day at a time. Here are 20 tips that will help you keep holiday weight gain at bay and lose a few pounds by new year. Continued › |
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Nutrition Articles › Seasonal & Holiday TipsLose Weight Over the Holidays!20 Tips to Help You Succeed-- By Nicole Nichols, Fitness Instructor & Health EducatorSparkPeople advertisers help keep the site free! Learn more
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About The Author
Nicole Nichols
Nicole was named "America's Top Personal Trainer to Watch" in 2011. A certified personal trainer and fitness instructor with a bachelor's degree in health promotion and education, she loves living a healthy and fit lifestyle and helping others do the same. Her DVDs "Total Body Sculpting" and "28 Day Boot Camp" (a best seller) are available online and in stores nationwide. Read Nicole's full bio and blog posts. Follow Coach Nicole Online:   
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Research shows that increasing your protein intake may be beneficial to weight loss.
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Lifting your legs up during this exercise helps you avoid lower back pain.
Lifting your legs up during this exercise helps you avoid lower back pain.
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Member Comments
4 glasses of water before dinner.
If I am going to a party, I bring a bottle of water with me.
I limit my consumption of alchohol to one glass of white wine.
I went to my son's house for dinner lastnight and I enjoyed it!
I ate homemade macaroni and cheese and shark.
I added 10 minutes to my cardio workout this morning!
I am going to a birthday party on saturday.
I am going to add another day of exercise this week!
Wish me luck! - 12/1/2010 11:41:57 PM
Maintaining exercise really can make a difference. One year, I took in a foster dog from mid Nov. through the holidays with the idea of having him adopted by Christmas. He'd previously been kenneled, so we did 2 & 3 mile walks daily, sometimes more. Plus I walked my own dog. It's the only time I've ever lost 10 pounds over the holidays without trying! Maybe I ought to try it again! - 11/21/2010 2:14:07 AM
Really, for anyone, this is a better gift to give yourself than traditional material gift. Thank you, Coach Nicole, for the reinforcement. I had one cookie that turned to three this evening, but after seeing this, I am ready to get back in the saddle. - 12/9/2008 10:24:56 PM