Blue Christmas

Baby, it's cold outside! Well, maybe not if you're in LA. I'm definitely not a cold weather person. I can enjoy it if I'm vacationing, but to live day to day life....nah, I'll leave the snow shovel with you!

The holidays bring the obvious stress; family you don't get along with, cooking a meal for a dozen people, getting all that Christmas shopping done. We have enough on our plate, lets not let our bodies and fitness goals be another thing to add to that list.

Today, I want to give you a heads up on what daily activities cause people to gain the most weight over the holidays. Lets not be a statistic this year!

1. Buuuurrrrrr!

• Cold weather is one thing that can definitely cause that button to pop off those pants!

• The biggest culprit comes from sticking to your routine. I know it sounds so nice to curl up by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate, but trust me that cocoa will still be waiting for you after your sweat session at the gym.

• Don't give up on yourself even when the motivation seems low!

2. Sun's Out Guns Out!

• Leaving work can be depressing when the sun has already set, making it seem very appealing to go home and watch TV. If it's seems harder to stick to those workouts after work, try switching it up. Take advantage of the sun in the morning!!

• Just because that sun goes to bed early that doesn't mean you have to.

3. Griswald Family Christmas

• A million holiday gatherings can certainly hurt the waist line and does during this time of year. If you have a ton of parties to go to you have to be prepared.

• Don't arrive starving.

• Eat something small an hour before you are set to arrive.

• Don't save all your calories for this one event, trust me you will over indulge if you do.

• Apply those Thanksgiving Rules one more time!

4. Drinking Those Calories

• This is always a good rule of thumb: Never drink your calories!!

• This adds way too many calories without the nutrients.

• You will be much more sustained if you drink water with your meals. In fact, drink a glass of water in between all your cocktails.

• Cut the fat in the hot chocolate by adding skim milk or water instead of full fat milk. I like to do half milk, half water to still get that creamier taste.

• If you're between eating or drinking, choose eating! It will keep you full and help you make better food choices.

5. Sugar Pie Honey Bunch!

• Winter seems to coincide with lots of sugar!!! It appears at your desk at work. Those Snowman Cupcakes have your name written on them and pies galore.

• First of all, don't deprive yourself, but be smart about what you're eating. What is your favorite dessert? One of mine is cupcakes so I will say yes to one small cupcake, but that pie that I don't love I'll stay away from.

• Choose your favorite and just stick to that!

6. Baggy Clothes

• If I buy bigger clothes or throw on that bulky sweater, no one will notice, right? Wrong, this is a main reason people tend to over eat this time of year. They wear baggier more comfortable clothes that hide the extra bloat.

• Obviously dress weather appropriately, BUT keep those skinny jeans and yoga pants close by.

7. Cliff Notes

• Continue your fitness routine even if it's cold out.

• Continue or switch up your workout routine if the lack of sun is causing you to lose motivation.

• Plan ahead for those parties. Apply The Thanksgiving Rules.

• Don't drink your calories.

• Pick your favorite dessert and don't settle for anything less!

• Wear clothes that show off that great figure and remind yourself of how good you look!

See you next week! As always, if you have any questions please contact me. Happy December!