Monthly Fitness Tip
Trainer Tip of the Month
By Caroline Fox, Master Personal Trainer
Avoiding Weight Gain This Winter
You can overcome winter's diet and fitness obstacles (lots of holiday parties with food and high-calorie drinks and cold winter days) with these tips.
Surviving Holiday Parties
Lighten up! Reduce fat, sugar and salt in your recipes; try using 1/3 to 1/2 as much as the recipe calls for of these gut-busting additives. Use flavor and texture enhancing substitutes such as honey, applesauce, and low-fat dairy for sweet dishes, and low-sodium broth, and extra herbs and spices for savory dishes. Visit www.cookinglight.com for more tips.
Eat until you are full, but not gorged. Indulge in some holiday treats but keep it in moderation. Control portions and then take a walk with the family or use the gym later on.
At holiday parties, focus on conversation not food. Use a small plate and fill-up on the raw veggie platter. Choose just 3-4 heavier hors-d'oeuvres and eat slowly.
Don't go to holiday events hungry. Increased hunger will leave you with reduced willpower. Eat light throughout the day such as having salad and small portion of fiber-rich whole grains. Factor in the higher calorie consumption of the holiday meal but still nourish your body by eating 1-2 nutritious, small meals before the main event.
Drinks have calories too, consume in moderation! Use club soda in your cocktails instead of tonic and half as much juice in your cocktails to save 50-100 calories. Drink water in between your cocktails to stay hydrated.
Beating the Winter Fitness Slump
Come to the Y! Why wait until New Years to make fitness resolutions when the YMCA has everything you need to start today. Burn calories with a fun group fitness class, a dip in the pool, keep up with strength and cardio routines, or get a routine started by seeing one of the Y's friendly, nationally certified personal trainers.
Stay active and burn calories with winter activities. Shoveling, skiing, ice-skating and having a snowball fight can all help you burn calories (200-400 calories/hr) while you get things done and have fun!
Use your home gym. On those days when you are snowed in or just can't make it to the Y, break out a workout video and some free weights. Ask a personal trainer to help you set up an at-home workout that suits your needs, space and equipment.
Happy Holidays from the Fitness Staff!
Contact Jane Carroll at (617) 244-6050 x3007 for more information about personal training or small group training.