Thanksgiving is behind us, so say our growing behinds. If you, like me, overdid it with the extra helpings, it is time to start watching your holiday cheer in a big way so you won't have a bigger weigh in a few weeks.
There are a lot of fad diets that tell you how to lose weight quickly or how to keep off the holiday pounds. Just yesterday the Daily Mail shared a "Hollywood nutritionist's" plan on how to lose 10 pounds in 10 days. The plan involves drinking a special blend of teas, soups, and shakes; adding exercise, and freezing your socks. I don't know either.
Though you might be interested in the latest Hollywood diet, there is a tried-and-true method of healthy living that will help you through the holiday season. Accountability to others, that is, joining with a group of people with like-minded goals, gives you a higher likelihood of sticking with a plan. This is why I have created the Healthy Holidays Challenge Group.
What to Expect
Starting on Monday, December 1, you will be added to the Healthy Holidays Challenge Group. Each day through December 30 you will be given nutrition tips, exercise advice, and motivation to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. You can join at any time, but the sooner you join, the better you will feel.
Week One
The first week of the challenge you will be expected to log your food. It doesn't matter whether you do it online, on the group page, or in a notebook. Simply write down everything you eat. By looking at all of your meals and snacks in this way, you are likely to eat less junk food and aim for healthier items. For many, just this simple change will lead to at least a small weight loss. You will also be given daily recipes and ideas for simple snack swaps.
Week Two
Week two focuses on exercise. Along with logging each day's food, you will be encouraged to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Although I will be posting daily exercises throughout the month, your second week is your week to begin focusing on physical activity. Those of you who are already exercising regularly can add the exercises that are given to you through the group page.
Though you might be interested in the latest Hollywood diet, there is a tried-and-true method of healthy living that will help you through the holiday season. Accountability to others, that is, joining with a group of people with like-minded goals, gives you a higher likelihood of sticking with a plan. This is why I have created the Healthy Holidays Challenge Group.
What to Expect
Starting on Monday, December 1, you will be added to the Healthy Holidays Challenge Group. Each day through December 30 you will be given nutrition tips, exercise advice, and motivation to stay healthy throughout the holiday season. You can join at any time, but the sooner you join, the better you will feel.
Week One
The first week of the challenge you will be expected to log your food. It doesn't matter whether you do it online, on the group page, or in a notebook. Simply write down everything you eat. By looking at all of your meals and snacks in this way, you are likely to eat less junk food and aim for healthier items. For many, just this simple change will lead to at least a small weight loss. You will also be given daily recipes and ideas for simple snack swaps.
Week Two
Week two focuses on exercise. Along with logging each day's food, you will be encouraged to exercise for at least 30 minutes each day. Although I will be posting daily exercises throughout the month, your second week is your week to begin focusing on physical activity. Those of you who are already exercising regularly can add the exercises that are given to you through the group page.
Week Three
Holiday parties will truly be ramping up on week three. This is the week of the water challenge. You should be eating well and exercising by the third week, but you also need to drink about nine cups of water each day. This will keep your body hydrated, keep you from confusing thirst with hunger, and hopefully keep you from overdoing it with the holiday cocktails.
Week Four
By week four you should be feeling the benefits of these simple changes. This week, for most, is an endless stream of food and festivities. Your challenge for this week is to continue drinking water, exercising, and logging every meal, drink, and snack. You will also be given an additional toning challenge of your choosing. This will include about 10 minutes of core work, arm work, or leg work depending on what you feel you need most.
Week Five
The final two days of the challenge will focus on your goals for the New Year. After a month of healthy living, you should be able to face those resolutions head on.
How to Join
Like the Healthy Wealthy Wise Facebook page. Send a message to the group asking to be added to the Healthy Holiday challenge.
Holiday parties will truly be ramping up on week three. This is the week of the water challenge. You should be eating well and exercising by the third week, but you also need to drink about nine cups of water each day. This will keep your body hydrated, keep you from confusing thirst with hunger, and hopefully keep you from overdoing it with the holiday cocktails.
Week Four
By week four you should be feeling the benefits of these simple changes. This week, for most, is an endless stream of food and festivities. Your challenge for this week is to continue drinking water, exercising, and logging every meal, drink, and snack. You will also be given an additional toning challenge of your choosing. This will include about 10 minutes of core work, arm work, or leg work depending on what you feel you need most.
Week Five
The final two days of the challenge will focus on your goals for the New Year. After a month of healthy living, you should be able to face those resolutions head on.
How to Join
Like the Healthy Wealthy Wise Facebook page. Send a message to the group asking to be added to the Healthy Holiday challenge.