12 Days of Christmas Fat Loss Tips

12 Days of Christmas Fat Loss Tips

Over the festive period you can gain well over 5 pounds.

You should let your hair down and enjoy every moment but rather than busting your butt for the first 3 months of the year trying to work off the additional calories, instead, focus those 3 months on sculpting, maintaining or improving what great work you've already done in 2011.

Use some (or all) of these Christmas Fat Loss Tips and you will thank me on the other side of New Year's Eve I can tell ya!

A healthy lifestyle is an on-going part of your life, not a quick fix that you then destroy over 12 days of the year. Imagine if you didn't brush your teeth for 12 days...wouldn't happen would it?!...bear that in mind.

12 Days of Christmas Fat Loss Tips

1. Be Prepared: This goes for every day of the year in my book but no more so than this time of year. Make sure you eat every 3 hours, make sure you have healthy snacks to hand, plenty of water and never go to a party or gathering hungry, it's a recipe for overeating disaster!

2. Keep on Moving: Just because you have even more tasks to juggle this time of year than you usually do, don't use this as an excuse to become sedentary! If a workout session suffers then, run up every flight of stairs you come across (yes in those heels) or try one of my 'do anywhere' Bodyweight Workouts. Walk, run, skip, jump or dance, anything...just move and burn off any additional calories you've consumed.

3. HOW is as important as WHAT: There are so many ways to cook and eat foods. Ensure you either use a spray oil or measure with tablespoons, never just pour freely! Do not fry anything; grill (broil), bake, griddle, anything but fry. If you have a steamer then use it for all your veg, if you don't have one ask for one for Christmas and go into 2011 with a new healthy eating kitchen toy.

4. Choose Wisely: When faced with a buffet or table of food which you didn't have a hand in preparing, assess each dish before you choose what to put on your plate. Anything with color and freshly prepared pile it high. Anything with pastry, sauce, cheese, cream, white refined carbs...don't deny yourself everything but keep it low.

5. Beware of Alcohol: Alcohol contains lots of calories and when you've had one too many, it definitely limits your inhibitions and your nutrition plan goes straight out of the window. A small glass of wine is one of the most diet friendly drinks you could choose, but remember to limit the amount you consume.

6. Controlled Contribution: If you are going to a dinner party, take a couple of homemade low calorie dishes with you and eat that food only. By doing this you will know what you are eating is calorie controlled, natural & nutritious and you are contributing to the party.

7. You Can Say No: You may be one of those sweet people that likes to please everyone (except yourself). Even if you're not, it's important to know that it's ok to say no when being offered something that you know is going to harm your health goals. Everyone else is important but you need to take care of your own needs first.

8. Party Time: As this is the party season, a time for enjoyment and letting loose. At every given opportunity I highly recommend that you DANCE. Shake your booty; tear up that floor because dancing burns over 250 calories an hour.

9. Take Note: It's important that at this time of year you really listen to your body. Some people eat and drink to the point of feeling ill. You need to ensure you keep well hydrated (H20) and notice when you're full and then stop eating.

10. It's All About Balance: If you're going out for dinner have a lighter lunch to keep down the calories and enjoy more food in the evening, but NEVER skip breakfast! If you've been out for a meal at lunch, have something lighter in the evening.

11. Don't Allow Temptation In: Unless you're presented with raw vegetables, salad sticks and hummus as an appetizer then say no! Say no to the bread rolls that are brought out or the basket of nachos and chips, if the rest of your party wants to eat them, make sure they are placed at the opposite end of the table, so there's no temptation in front of you.

12. Care Enough: This list is a guide to help you stay healthy, on track and keep the calories low. This aside, relax and enjoy yourself but with love and respect for your beautiful body, eat and drink consciously and you'll twirl into 2012 with a great start to the year instead of a great amount of body far on your rear.

Let the festive frolicks begin!