Holiday Fitness

Who has time for fitness? With all these Holiday parties and the school programs and work schedule? And then comes the annual Holiday goodies we all so enjoy! And the delicious Holiday meals.

If you're like me and so many others this time of year you might be trying to lose some weight. This can be a challenge over these last few weeks before the Holidays. Good food and tasty appetizers abound in December! Well, the good news is - you don’t have to pass on the appetizers. Enjoy a plate of healthy appetizers before a big meal and you'll eat less! So you don't have to pass on that smoked salmon or the avacado. Enjoy a handful of walnuts or almonds. Have some of that fresh whole-grain bread and olive oil. These delicious appetizers make eating healthy easy!

Eating a little healthy unsaturated fat like olive oil, nuts, avocado, and fresh water salmon before a meal slow down your digestive system some - making you feel full faster. It also helps keep your blood sugar levels from jumping thru the roof after your Holiday meal. These healthy fats also help your body absorb vitamins A, D, and E, and other essential nutrients.

While you are at the appetizer table - load up on healthy fruits and veggies! Toss some baby carrots and celery on your plate. Grab a handful of delicious grapes! Go with the dark purple or black grapes for a heart healthy antioxidant boost! A small serving of raw broccoli will make your day even better! If you enjoy wine try a dark red with your meal! You might want to pass on the sugary sweets and beer - and their useless calories. ( Well... maybe just one...... After all, it's OK to cheat once in a while isn't it? )

You can enjoy the plethora of wonderful and tasty Holiday foods this year and still manage to lose a few more pounds before Christmas. Physical fitness experts agree - the quickest way to lose weight and keep it off is with exercise and healthy eating. If your waistline is a few inches larger than you like - the best way to lose belly fat for good is with a twofold approach. Strengthen your core muscles. Burn lots more calories. And keep eating healthy. Enjoy these final weeks of 2008 with a healthy mix of your favorite healthy foods and daily exercise.