5 Tips For a Healthy Holiday

By Sean Barker,CPT

This time of year should be a time of family and fun, not guilt over blowing your diet.

These 5 simple tips will help you have a healthy holiday without gaining a bowl full of jelly.

1. Keep moving. I know the gym will probably be closed a lot during the holidays. But remember you don't need to go to the gym to get a great workout in little time. Before you start your busy day of putting up Christmas lights or getting some last minute shopping done, drop down and give me 20! With some basic bodyweight exercises of pushups, prisoner squats and abdominal planks you can get a great workout done in less than 15 minutes with NO equipment. Or you can save your energy for the dance floor!

2. Don't run on empty. Don't allow yourself to go too long in between meals. If you let yourself get too hungry especially this time of year, you will pay for it dearly when you try to tighten your belt come the new year. Make sure to eat your regular 3 meals each day plus 2 snacks such as fruit and mixed nuts.

3. Plan your reward meals. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Decide what reward meals you are going to have such as Christmas Dinner, New Years Eve or the office party. Stick to a couple special occasions and follow a healthy plan for the days in between.

4. Smart snacking. When you are entertaining guests or you are attending parties elsewhere you can still enjoy some finger foods, just be smart about your choices. Avoid the artery clogging chips, dips and deep fried foods. Fill up on raw veggies, cheese, nuts and even some dark chocolate.

5. Think before you drink. If you are drinking down some Christmas cheer, beware. One regular beer contains 150 calories and a glass of eggnog 350 calories! Stick to one or two light beers, a cocktail with diet soda or a glass of dark red wine. Make sure to drink a tall glass of water before bed and upon waking to avoid a "heavy head" the next morning.

Seasons Greetings from The Barker's

Sean, Kathy and baby Matea

I want to take this time to sincerely THANK-YOU for you reading my blog, for following Dad Fitness and I would like to wish you and your family a MERRY CHRISTMAS and HEALTH, WEALTH, and HAPPINESS in 2009!

Stay tuned for more great things from Dad Fitness and I look forward to you joining me as we continue to invest in fitness and family...

Sean Barker, CPT

Learn the "The Truth On Fat Loss, How To Finally Lose That Beer Belly" in this FREE report from Sean Barker at www.dadfitness.com