5 Ways To Stay On Track

1. Keep A Food Log. A food diary, and logging what you can eat can be very handy when it comes to managing your weight or eating healthier. Research shows that a food diary can help you to avoid empty calories, which in turn can help you to focus on more nutrient-dense foods (see more on that below). A food log can also help you track calories, and when it comes to holiday parties, this can mean a big difference in your overall calorie intake: When you actually have to consider that you will be writing down all the (often mindless) snacking on apps and cheese plates, you make actually think twice about picking up that additional cheesy puff pastry or piece of cake. Once you know that an extra 200 calories per day, with no change your exercise plan, can lead to almost a 10 pound weight gain in six months, tracking what you eat doesn't seem like such a chore after all. Try my health-ified holiday recipes and find other ways to reduce overconsumption in my NEW Fit Over 50: Holidays My Way!




2. Make Sure You Exercise Every Day. This is a no-brainer, but all of us find excuses not to exercise, anytime of the year. But during the holidays, it is extra important - working out improves the immune system, helps with digestion, burns calories, and keeps our anxiety at bay. There is really NO good excuse not to work out consistently - and if "no time" is one of yours, then try my 5-minute workouts!




3. Fill Up Before You Go Out. Before I head to a party, I eat an apple with some almond butter, some crunchy carrots or a handful of nuts. They are satisfying, fill me up with good nutrients, and don't cause any bloating. Then, I am not so hungry for unhealthy appetizers!




4. Focus On Healthy Meals. I like to eat a healthy, hearty breakfast every day - it helps fill me up, sets a good tone for the day, and encourages healthier choices. By making sure you are eating healthy meals, you are more likely to skip or minimize less-than-healthy snacks. Focus on fiber-rich foods (veggies, beans); protein-rich foods (eggs, lean meats); and foods with omega-3s (salmon) for well-rounded meals. You can join my Eat Like Denise and follow my favorite meal plans when you sign up with my Premium Membership that is only $49!




5. Select Healthy Sips. What you drink makes a difference - clear spirits like tequila and vodka, a glass of red wine, and a light beer all have about 100 calories per serving, while champagne clocks in even lower, at about 85 calories. If you plan to drink, sip on these, and add in a glass of water between each drink. Avoid the sugary cocktails and heavier beers if you don't want extra calories.

Denise