Have you struggled with keeping your weight in check during the holidays?

Yes, me to…Everything looks so delicious all the time, especially when we sit down for Christmas meals. That’s beyond true for me when I head home to New York City for Mom’s home cooking. Without fail, she makes all of my favorites – mostly fried, and all within the span of a week.

But what if I said that you could control your weight while enjoying all the holiday goodies? And what if I told you it can be really simple? Because it’s not rocket science, no matter how much we human beings feel the need to overcomplicate matters, especially pertaining to health and fitness.

Too often we fall into the trap of believing that health and fitness plans need to be complex and complicated – and let’s face it, hard – to gain the desired results. But in reality, the plan isn’t different than any other time of the year. We simply have more temptations in our faces trying to steer us off course (and too often, doing a very good job of doing just that).

Anyone who works with me can recite what I’m writing next because they have heard it time and time again during our time together. Make healthy choices. Watch portion sizes. Drink plenty of water (preferably half  an ounce per pound of body weight). And be active. Still, I know how hard how it is to turn away foods that you enjoy eating at holiday time. So here are five helpful tips when you’re faced with making the choices that will help you stay on track with your health and fitness goals while still allowing you to savor what you love…

1. Eat in advance. Don’t arrive at any holiday gathering famished. That’s a recipe for making poor choices.
2. Take your time eating. Studies show that it takes at least 20 minutes for our brain to signal our stomach that we’re full. So, eat slowly to prevent overeating.
3. Feel satisfied, not full. When you’re starting to feel full, that’s when you should stop eating.
4. Indulge…a bit. If you plan, for example, to have a piece of pie for dessert, don’t have a second helping of the main course.
5. Forgive yourself. because no one is perfect. Simply make a healthier choice the next time.

If you need help  taking that first step, or any challenges on your health and fitness journey, I’m here to help. Contact me at 814.504.7774 or [email protected] to get started, or visit my website for more information: fernandesfit.com.