As the holidays quickly approach, I pay more attention to what I eat and how much I work out. I’m not neurotic about it. I just know from past experience I can easily gain 5-10 pounds from Halloween to Super Bowl. And as each year I become older, these 5-10 pounds are harder and harder to lose.
What’s the big deal with extra LBs?
For me, my clothing does not fit well and I don’t want to spend money buying new items. Being under 5’4″, gaining 5-10 pounds changes my dress size. Instead of spending money buying new clothes, I’d rather stay disciplined with my eating and physical activity.
With extra LBs, my energy level depletes quicker. It may be a sign of aging as well but I can’t change that from happening. But I can change my weight by staying active and watching my food consumption.
How to fight extra LBs
To fight extra LBs from Halloween to Super Bowl, I focus on these two items:
1. One hour of physical activity with interval bursts every day. Ideally, I’ll run/walk for 5 miles.
Some days, I’m just not feeling it – especially, if I had an evening event. During those days, I walk on the treadmill alternating between different incline levels.
The key for me is to have some form of consistent aerobic activity. And yes, there are days when I don’t want to do anything. For those days, I watch one of my DVR programs and do arm exercises with squats in between each set. I keep moving so my heart rate increases.
2. Stop eating after 8PM. I’ve noticed I don’t eat healthy after 8PM. It’s usually something sweet and high in empty calories. I can easily stop eating after 8PM when I’m home.
For nights when I have an evening event or dinner out with friends, I let this one slide. Most dinners out begin at 8PM. For those days, I pay attention to what I eat during the day anticipating a heavy meal in the evening.
By focusing on only two things, it’s easy to stay committed. Yes, there are days when I don’t’ want to do either of these items. But I try very hard. And if I fail that day, there are other days I can succeed. If you know you tend to gain weight during the holidays, try focusing on one or two things to encourage yourself to stay healthy.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Niv Persaud, CFP®, CDFA™, CRPC®, is the Founder of Transition Planning & Guidance, LLC. Life is more than money. It’s about living the lifestyle you want and can afford. For that reason, Niv consults with clients on money, life, and work. Her approach capitalizes on techniques she learned throughout her career, including as a management consultant, executive recruiter, and financial advisor. Her services include spending plan, financial plan, divorce financial review, life strategy, and professional progression. Niv actively gives back to her community through her volunteer efforts. She believes in living life to the fullest by cherishing friendships, enjoying the beauty of nature, and laughing often — even at herself. Her favorite quote is by Erma Bombeck, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left and could say ‘I used everything you gave me’.”