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.

The Thanksgiving Feast!

Thanksgiving day is a great time to enjoy the autumn weather with those we love the most. Have fun outdoors – if the weather cooperates. Why not get in some good old fashioned exercise while you’re having fun! Burn some calories before you gather around the Thanksgiving table with your loved ones. Then burn off some more calories later!

Today is the perfect day to kick-start your calorie burners and build some muscles! Have fun while you exercise. Take your loved ones out for a nice stroll through nature. Or even a quick walk around the neighborhood! If you have a nice day to enjoy – get on your bike and pedal away some calories before the big feast.

Before you sit down to give Thanks for all the blessings you enjoy – drink a big glass of cold water! You’ll fill up sooner and still have some room to enjoy a big slice of that pecan pie you've been smelling all afternoon!

Then, after your big feast get outside again if you can and walk off some more of that wonderful meal you enjoyed!

The benefits are clear. People report more energy, better attitudes and way less stress when they get some exercise most days of the week.

You can enjoy a much better quality of life if you enjoy healthy eating habits and get a plenty of exercise. It's OK to cheat - or still have those tasty treats we all love. Moderation is the key! Have your pie and eat it too! Just try to avoid going back for seconds!

If weight loss is your goal – the quickest way to lose weight is with regular exercise and healthy eating habits! The results are clear – Start building muscles and eating healthy and you are on the right path to getting in shape fast!