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With holidays ending, it's time to attack extra pounds
By Lauren Oakley: The Terrell Tribune
It's no surprise that the six-week holiday eating spree from Thanksgiving to New Year's Day convinces many Americans to waddle back into the gym.
When the new year swings in, many people see it as an opportunity to begin working out to shed holiday pounds by restoring healthy habits that were kicked to the curb during the holidays.
“After the new year, memberships increase by double,” said Kaufman County YMCA manager Jeff Thomas.
The majority of members stick with their workout program for about three months, according to Thomas.
“When it's almost summer time, most members fade off because of other activities,” he said.
The most popular New Year's resolution is weight loss according to Thomas.
“Everyone eats so much during the holidays which is why they wait until after the new year to get into shape,” he said.
Being in shape doesn't only improve your appearance; it also improves your attitude, longevity, health and releases stress, according to Hard Bodies Gym owner Calvin Knapp.
Knapp is also a personal trainer, pro wrestler trainer and body builder. Nutrition and health is of the utmost importance for Knapp in order to do his job to the best of his ability
“Temptations of treats during the holidays for people are greater than the need to work out,” Knapp said.
People know they are going to cheat during the holidays, which is why they don't get started until after the new year, he said.
Initiating change in your lifestyle is a difficult factor in losing holiday weight, according to Knapp.
“The most difficult part is making your workouts habit, and the best way to do that is hiring a personal trainer,” he said.
Knapp's New Year's Eve advice for those who are watching their weight is, “Š eat and drink light and do more dancing than drinking Š moderation is the key,” he said.
It's important to lose holiday weight not only for the benefit of getting into shape but for health reasons, according to Tracey Crowsey, owner of Curves.
“Exercise prevents diseases such as diabetes. Studies show there is a direct correlation to exercise,” she said.
With all the holiday shopping and parties, it's hard for people to make time to cook nutritious meals and exercise during the holidays, according to Crowsey.
“Eating out sky rockets during holidays and this trend is difficult to break after the new year,” she said.
The battle against holiday pounds often ends in defeat for some who don't understand dieting and exercising together is the most effective way to lose weight, according to American Lifestyle gym owner and personal trainer Laurie Evans.
“You should allow yourself a couple of days to indulge in holiday food - every other day, making healthy choices are important,” Evans said.
Being in shape is essential to maintaining a good quality of life and health, Evans said.
“Working out and dieting should not only be a post-holiday ritual; it needs to be a lifelong commitment,” she said.
Regulating your food intake is the key, according to Leanne Skinner, R.D. with Austin Nutrition Consultants.
“It's easier for people to procrastinate during the holidays and pay attention to indiscretions later,” Skinner said. Holiday cooking, shopping and parties usually interfere with our good sense and time management, she said.
Skinner constructed a guide two years ago that aired on Austin's ABC affiliate, KVUE, over how to avoid holiday weight gain.
“You should always eat a small amount before attending a dinner party,” she said.
Eating and drinking half of what you are given at a party was the most effective way for clients to avoid over eating, according to Skinner.
“Use the smallest available plate [salad plate] and make sure to leave space between each item. This prevents over eating,” she said.
Also, drinking a glass of water before meals and sipping after each bite slows down your consumption, she said.
“If you are going to drink, clear liquors are better because they contain fewer calories than liquors like bourbon or whiskey,” she said.
Using sugar-free mixers or water is also helpful.
Adding ice constantly and having a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume keeps you hydrated and less likely to get intoxicated, she said. It also decreases potential constipation due to rich, sugary foods and drinks.
Portion sizes are crucial. Remember that the size of a 50-cent piece is a taste, she said.
“Each 100 calories you consume takes roughly 30 minutes of exercise to burn,” she said.
Most people struggle with losing holiday weight. Depression can be a contributing factor. Consuming high calorie/rich foods serves as a crutch to “fix” the sadness Skinner said.
Skinner's advice for New Year's Eve is to do something active with family or friends to celebrate, i.e. bowling or dancing.
“Holiday celebrations should be about celebrating life with friends and family, not stuffing your face full of rich food that impairs and weakens your body.”
When the new year swings in, many people see it as an opportunity to begin working out to shed holiday pounds by restoring healthy habits that were kicked to the curb during the holidays.
“After the new year, memberships increase by double,” said Kaufman County YMCA manager Jeff Thomas.
The majority of members stick with their workout program for about three months, according to Thomas.
“When it's almost summer time, most members fade off because of other activities,” he said.
The most popular New Year's resolution is weight loss according to Thomas.
“Everyone eats so much during the holidays which is why they wait until after the new year to get into shape,” he said.
Being in shape doesn't only improve your appearance; it also improves your attitude, longevity, health and releases stress, according to Hard Bodies Gym owner Calvin Knapp.
Knapp is also a personal trainer, pro wrestler trainer and body builder. Nutrition and health is of the utmost importance for Knapp in order to do his job to the best of his ability
“Temptations of treats during the holidays for people are greater than the need to work out,” Knapp said.
People know they are going to cheat during the holidays, which is why they don't get started until after the new year, he said.
Initiating change in your lifestyle is a difficult factor in losing holiday weight, according to Knapp.
“The most difficult part is making your workouts habit, and the best way to do that is hiring a personal trainer,” he said.
Knapp's New Year's Eve advice for those who are watching their weight is, “Š eat and drink light and do more dancing than drinking Š moderation is the key,” he said.
It's important to lose holiday weight not only for the benefit of getting into shape but for health reasons, according to Tracey Crowsey, owner of Curves.
“Exercise prevents diseases such as diabetes. Studies show there is a direct correlation to exercise,” she said.
With all the holiday shopping and parties, it's hard for people to make time to cook nutritious meals and exercise during the holidays, according to Crowsey.
“Eating out sky rockets during holidays and this trend is difficult to break after the new year,” she said.
The battle against holiday pounds often ends in defeat for some who don't understand dieting and exercising together is the most effective way to lose weight, according to American Lifestyle gym owner and personal trainer Laurie Evans.
“You should allow yourself a couple of days to indulge in holiday food - every other day, making healthy choices are important,” Evans said.
Being in shape is essential to maintaining a good quality of life and health, Evans said.
“Working out and dieting should not only be a post-holiday ritual; it needs to be a lifelong commitment,” she said.
Regulating your food intake is the key, according to Leanne Skinner, R.D. with Austin Nutrition Consultants.
“It's easier for people to procrastinate during the holidays and pay attention to indiscretions later,” Skinner said. Holiday cooking, shopping and parties usually interfere with our good sense and time management, she said.
Skinner constructed a guide two years ago that aired on Austin's ABC affiliate, KVUE, over how to avoid holiday weight gain.
“You should always eat a small amount before attending a dinner party,” she said.
Eating and drinking half of what you are given at a party was the most effective way for clients to avoid over eating, according to Skinner.
“Use the smallest available plate [salad plate] and make sure to leave space between each item. This prevents over eating,” she said.
Also, drinking a glass of water before meals and sipping after each bite slows down your consumption, she said.
“If you are going to drink, clear liquors are better because they contain fewer calories than liquors like bourbon or whiskey,” she said.
Using sugar-free mixers or water is also helpful.
Adding ice constantly and having a glass of water for every alcoholic beverage you consume keeps you hydrated and less likely to get intoxicated, she said. It also decreases potential constipation due to rich, sugary foods and drinks.
Portion sizes are crucial. Remember that the size of a 50-cent piece is a taste, she said.
“Each 100 calories you consume takes roughly 30 minutes of exercise to burn,” she said.
Most people struggle with losing holiday weight. Depression can be a contributing factor. Consuming high calorie/rich foods serves as a crutch to “fix” the sadness Skinner said.
Skinner's advice for New Year's Eve is to do something active with family or friends to celebrate, i.e. bowling or dancing.
“Holiday celebrations should be about celebrating life with friends and family, not stuffing your face full of rich food that impairs and weakens your body.”
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