Before you go overboard and overeat with second and third helpings these next few days, think like a smoker! Or better yet, think like a smoker who is trying or has tried to quit their deadly habit. Smoking is the leading preventable cause of disease and death in the U.S., responsible for about 1 in every 5 deaths. Just about any smoker will tell you, it is much easier to quit smoking if you never start. Likewise, it is much easier to lose the weight that you never gained, than it is to fight back to the pre-Holiday body.
The Weight you gain today stays with you forever
Most of us will gain a few pounds over the holiday season. To add to that, most of us will not lose all the weight we will gain in this two-month span. This pattern repeated over years attributes to the overall weight we gain as we get older, pushing us closer to obesity. Obesity puts individuals at risk for many of the leading causes of death, including heart disease, stroke, some types of cancer, respiratory diseases, diabetes and kidney disease.
The ol’ “It’s the Holidays” excuse, or better yet, the “I’m on vacation” excuse is often thrown around during this time. The problem is, it is much easier to gain weight than it is burn it off. Keep that in mind when you are about to take your consumption into overdrive.
Eat More, Burn More
You may think the purpose of this post was to ruin the holiday meal(s) you have been looking forward to all year. Not exactly true. I am simply giving you something to consider AS you enjoy all the delicious (and calorie dense) food that will likely be coming your way. Additionally, since diet and nutrition may not be on the tip top of your list during this holiday season, stay committed to Prioritizing Physical Activity. You may even feel fueled up enough to increase the duration or intensity of your session! (How To Burn 2,000 Calories In 99 Minutes) Ok, I may be reaching with the last one. But staying committed to Prioritizing Physical Activity during the holiday season may be the only reason you do not bring in 2020, five pounds HEAVIER. Unlike smoking or losing weight, Physical Activity is easier to continue if you NEVER stop! Check out The Physical Activity Snowball Effect.
The cool Down
We are anxious to hear how your holiday season went! Were you able to Prioritize Physical Activity? Were you able to maintain some of your routines DESPITE having to travel, shop and/or entertain guests? We are all ears. Share your story and your experience.
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Stay Healthy! Stay Motivated!