When the holidays are over

Did you gain weight between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day?

I did. I think that weight gain during the winter holidays happens to many people. Eating clean during this time is hard. A certain amount of indulgence is practically unavoidable over the holidays.

There are things I can do that will help me get back to the game.  So now, when the holidays are over, I am getting back to better compliance with clean eating, the simple formula to that led me to 91 pounds weight loss success before.

My breakfast step by step

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I start my day off with a good breakfast. Breakfast helps me prevent hunger later on. It jump-starts my metabolism and sets my body in the optimal fat-burning state. The protein consumption (a slice of lean turkey), when eaten as part of the daily first meal reduces my appetite throughout the day. It is very important for me to stick with protein breakfast option. Initially it was a little challenging because proteins are usually not a part of typical "breakfast foods".

Do we eat more in the winter?

The winter months bring cold weather, holidays, and the potential for weight gain. For me winter is a challenging season when it comes to weight loss.

Do we eat more in the winter? I think we do eat more during the winter time. There’s something about the winter that makes us eat more. Part of the weight gain may be because of our tendency to stay indoors and snack more than we do during the summer.

Developing goals that focus on healthy eating habits for the winter makes it easier to optimize eating winter holiday meals. Healthy winter eating habits can really make a difference with holiday weight control.  

What do you do to prevent winter weight gain?

New Year's Resolutions You Will Stick With

On January 1 many of us make all kinds of promises that “starting tomorrow, things are going to be different.”

How can we take advantage of our good intentions on January 1 and make them work for us throughout the year, or at least for longer than they would naturally last?

For long-term success, a detailed and sustainable action plan is key.

Take advantage of these moments of clarity at the start of the New Year and take actions that would commit us to making good decisions in the future.

For many people the New Year means a fresh start, and another New Year’s resolution.We are determined to make 2014 the year we stick to our health and fitness goals.

And while making the resolution to lose weight is easy, keeping it, can be a challenge.

However, when you are convinced that losing weight is more important than what you are giving up, then you are ready for action and you will likely succeed.

Chocolate - once I start, I can’t stop eating

I have a healthy relationship with food and I most of the times I eat healthy.

Healthy eating led me to the 91-pound weight loss and it continues to help with maintaining my current weight.  

Avoiding sugar is an important part of my eating strategy. Apples, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries are the only foods I eat that contain sugar.

Well, most of the time. I consequently avoid sugar except during holidays and special occasions.

I have to admit that I, experienced and successful dieter, struggle with chocolate. I therefore don't buy it or keep any in the house anymore. Except holidays.

Chocolate does something to my brain and just makes me want more and more. I have no control once I start. I can't just eat a piece of a chocolate bar and be done.

Despite what reason and intelligence tells me to do, I am unable to stop. When I start keep stuffing myself with chocolate to the point of discomfort.

What food can't you stop eating once you start?

Guest Post: If not now, when?

The biggest challenge people face when they are looking to improve their lives is getting started. Reading about self-improvement, or learning about the tools required to live a better life means nothing if you don’t utilize those tools.

One of the greatest causes for failure when it comes to personal development is simply a failure to act.

Listed here are a few reasons to act, they are posted to help you realize that the time is NOW; not tomorrow, not next week, and not after you have accomplished something else! So take a moment to read them and then move forward on your journey!

There is no change without action.

Sure, reading about personal development or positive living can make you feel good at the time, but without action the knowledge itself is somewhat useless. Your situation will stay the same unless you make the move to change it!

There is no one that can do it for you.

The harsh reality of life is that unless you make the choice to change you never will. No one, and nothing, can do it for you. If you want a better life it is you that has to create it. Period.

Lessons are best learned through actions.

When you make mistakes you learn lessons. Through actions you will learn what works and what doesn’t. There is no better way to learn that by doing, it can teach you things you wouldn’t learn any other way.

It makes you feel good.

Our self-esteem can have a huge impact on whether we take action towards our goals, but the best way to combat this issue is through action. It is somewhat of a double-edged sword in the sense that when you don’t act you feel bad, but you feel too bad to take action. Still, it is more likely that you will regret not doing something to change the situation. Taking action towards your goals makes you feel good. It raises your self-esteem, and it encourages you to move forward. It will make you happier overall and increase your confidence in a way that nothing else can measure up to.

Every small step counts.

Every small step you take brings you closer to your ultimate goal. If you make an effort to complete one action each day, even a tiny one, you are that much closer to accomplishing your bigger goal. Reward yourself for each small success as a way to encourage forward momentum. Keep track of each little accomplishment so you can see how they tie into the bigger picture.

If not now, when?

This is a common question asked by motivational speakers, and when it comes to personal development it is the question; one that you should be asking yourself every single day. If we wait for the ‘perfect’ time, a better time, later, we will be waiting forever. The truth is; if you keep waiting you are going to run out of time. Take a close look at what it is you are waiting for and find a way around it. Act now, or risk missing your chance.

It is about the journey.

Just as discussed above, every small step counts, that is because the process of personal development is more about the journey than it is the result. The ‘end’ of your journey to a happier more fulfilling life is something that cannot be expressed. In fact, an ‘end’ doesn’t really exist because living a happier life is a long-term commitment that requires regular maintenance and consistent actions on your part. Your ultimate goal will change as you do, and that is why you should be focused on the journey itself rather than the finish line.

One action leads to another. 

Each action you choose will lead to another action that will lead to another. You may look back a year from now and find that you are nowhere near where you originally planned to be, but your actions will take you in the direction you need to go by presenting you with opportunities and choices. These choices will lead to others and your journey will be adjusted to suit your growing needs. It may sound lame, but it is the truth, the hardest part of any journey is getting started, but once you begin, I guarantee doors will open for you.

Until Next Time…

Take Action!

Katherine D

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Katherine D writes a blog Inspired Every Moment that provides practical tips and useful advice for living a happier, more fulfilled life every day.

http://inspiredeverymoment.com/
 

Try to stick to a healthy eating routine as best you can

Thanksgiving can be a stressful holiday. With so much delicious food tempting you, it's impossible to keep your healthy habits in check.

Thanksgiving is one of those holidays when people plan to eat until they are stuffed to the brim. What is worse, Thanksgiving often sets off a domino effect for the rest of the holiday season.

With so many holiday events revolving around food and cocktails, it's easy to add on the extra pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.

But that doesn't have to be the rule. Remember, Thanksgiving is one day. Done right, you won’t set yourself back too far!

A turkey-day feast isn't what typically causes the weight gain; it's the entire Thanksgiving weekend that often packs on a few stubborn pounds.

Yes, the scale is bound to go up the next morning, but if you get right back on the wagon on Friday morning, you can easily get back to your pre-Thanksgiving weight by the next week-end.