5 Tips for Weight Loss Post Holidays
The holidays tend to be a favourite time of the year for most people! You get to have a break from the regular hustle and bustle of one’s schedule, family and friend get togethers are more frequent, and it is a great time to refresh and re-set for the new year to come! Unfortunately, the break from your regular schedule also comes with a pretty drastic change in your diet and lifestyle. The amazing parties and get togethers are usually accompanied by richer foods and drinks. As wonderful as this is, it can take a toll on your physical body, and even your emotional body. Some people have the tendency, such as myself, to gain a few extra pounds with this period of overindulgence. So, I decided to write a quick blog on 5 tricks that I use to drop the excess holiday weight.
- Do not eat after dinner, or try not to eat past 8 pm. I do this for two reasons. I will greatly reduce the calories that I take in for that day without the mindless snacking. Secondly, my body is not focused on digesting food while it should be rejuvenating while I sleep. Of course, do not do this if you have be diagnosed with diabetes or have any blood sugar problems.
- Walk or do a form of exercise at least 30 minutes a day. After I drop my son off to daycare prior to starting clinic, I will take a short walk around the neighbourhood. It allows me to get some fresh air and to clear my head before work. If the weather is not cooperating, I will do some Pilates or a home cardio workout instead. It does not have to be fancy, getting a book on Pilates that has different routines to follow will suffice. I will also follow a workout routine of my choice starting the new year. I like to switch up my workouts every 3 months or so to keep my body from adapting and plateauing. The key is to just get moving!
- Increase your intake of vegetables (with the exception of potatoes). It sounds simple, but replacing half of your plate with vegetables not only increases your nutrient intake dramatically, but will also reduce your calorie intake by reducing excess carbohydrates such as pasta etc. Adding a fresh salad prior to your dinner also helps to fill your stomach up and increases your fibre intake.
- Increase your water intake. Again, sounds simple but the more water you drink the more hydrated your tissues are. The more hydrated your body is, the less likely you will misinterpret the thirsty signal for a hunger one. Water can also be used to replace sugar laden drinks, such as juice and soft drinks. I also have the rule, that for every cup of coffee or caffeine that I ingest, I have at least one cup of water after it. That way my body will be less likely to become dehydrated. If you get tired of drinking plain water, try to add pieces of fresh fruit into it. It will give it a sweeter and more refreshing taste.
- Getting enough sleep. This one may not seem that difficult, but for nighthawks like myself, it takes a bit of discipline to get back into the routine of hitting the hay at a time that is best for my body’s regeneration. I have noticed with myself that if I am tired, I am more likely to reach for foods that boost my energy, if even for a short amount of time. Usually these are foods that have refined sugars and caffeine. I also have noted that it is difficult for me to keep on my healthy diet; I find it much more of a struggle to make better food choices when my battery is running low.
These 5 simple tips have helped me personally to get back into a healthy and regenerative routine for my body and aids me in releasing any excess weight that my body takes on over the holidays. Give any or all of these tips a try and see if they assists you! If you want to start the New Year with some assistance on how to enhance your health and well-being, please don’t hesitate to contact me at info@stephaniefarwellnd.ca or call the clinic at 519-954-9168. Wishing you a very Happy New Year!