Holiday Survival Tactics

I have read some reports that state that Americans gain an average of 5-7 pounds over the Holiday season.  In reality, it is really only a 1-2 pound average gain of fat over that period.  People who are already unhealthy eaters or overweight already may pack on more pounds and I am going to try my hardest not to be one of the Americans who gain the most amount of weight this year.  Coming up with a personal tactic as to how to accomplish this seemingly small, but huge to me, goal had me researching a lot of my favorite bloggers in the fitness and nutrition world to come up with a personal plan.  One huge thing that I have learned is that One Plan Does NOT Fit All...Sort of like the One Size Fits All.

I am not sure if it's going to happen but I am going to try to hit the gym on Thanksgiving morning for a quick HIIT weight session and will pull out one of JillFit's 20x20 workouts for the occasion.  From what I have come to understand, after an intense weight lifting session that focusing on intensity over time, your body will continue to burn calories at a higher rate over just doing cardio. The extra carbs that you will eat at your holiday feast will go toward muscle repair and growth rather than stored as fat. You do not need to spend 2 hours on the treadmill.

Now to the eating plan...There are two different views on how to enjoy the holiday feast and not spiral out of control. One is to use it as a "Cheat Meal".  I really hate that term but will use it here anyway. With this "C-Meal" you chose to eat whatever and how much you want to but the next meal, you will have to go back to your "plan", whatever that may be. Because I know myself, getting back under control after doing something like this is tough. The other view on this is to still stick close to a fat-loss style of eating with dividing up your plate with 1/4 lean protein, 1/2 veggies and 1/4 starches like the stuffing and potatoes. If you plan on drinking the wine or having dessert, reduce the carbs on your plate.  This way totally fits in with the 21 Day Fix style of eating that I am used to. In the 21 Day Fix, you can swap out a "Yellow Container", your carbs, for a treat such as wine or dessert. Since it's the holiday, I am going to do a combo of both plans.  I will plan on having more green veggies on my table and plate, but have a feeling the sweet potato and stuffing with be a little more than a 1/4 of my plate. It is Thanksgiving and sweet potato and stuffing just make the meal, right??? And I am going to have a few glasses of wine and not swap out a carb for it either but will also have a pitcher of ice water for frequent refills of the water glass. The next meal will have me back following the 21 Day Fix eating method.  I am going to enjoy the holiday meal with my family, not deprive myself of  the traditional American feast but also not treat it as The Last Supper!

What strategy are you going to take this year to survive the Holiday Season without having to start all over again come January? Do you want to be part of my "No Resolution Revolution"?

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your family and friends!

Update on my #54by54 Goal

When I started on this weight loss journey again for the gazillonth time, I made a goal to lose 54 pounds by my 54th birthday that came and went a couple weeks ago and now I am just getting back to blog about my goal.  I did not meet that goal I set for myself but, you know what? That's okay.  I successfully lost 42 pounds. There have been some ups and downs over the last 10 months in the number on the scale as well as some binge eating of things I knew I should just have a bite or two and leave the rest. And that is okay too. If I do not allow myself to go totally off plan for a day or so, I would not have been as successful as I have been and I probably would be finding those 42 pounds that were lost as I have done in the past. I am still shooting for that magical number on the scale and am still keeping that first 54 pound weight loss as my first goal but not putting a time limit on hitting it. One pound at a time!

I am blessed to have a lot of support from so many sources. First and foremost is my husband. No complaints when he is the recipient of dishes from my test kitchen...And yes, some that I won't make again! My sister who is on her own journey is another. We share our successes and what drives us crazy. There are a couple of groups who have been huge supporters. My group exercise gym friends are always there with a compliment a smile and commiseration when we go through a particularly tough class and my newly found Beachbody family.

When I signed up a Beachbody Coach to get a discount on my Shakeology, I joined "The Fit Life" team who are an amazing, inspiring and supportive group. They are there with Challenge Groups to keep me on track and help with the business building aspect of the team. While it is has not been a money making venture for me, I have had a lot of personal development and have truly loved sharing my wonderful experiences with their products. I can say that I love the more confident person I am becoming. I love being able to share this confidence with my family and friends!