Tips for staying trim during the holidays

Getting ready for the holidays is a task that many begin early. Having the carpets cleaned, touch-up painting, a new piece of furniture and trying out new recipes are all part of the preparation process.

Unfortunately, what so many forget is eating healthy and working out is never more important than during the holidays to help you look your best. I have put together a few food ideas and workout tips in preparation for and during the holiday season.

Wrapping up the Holiday’s:

Don’t just wrap gifts, wrap-up good nutrition. Wraps are trendy, creative and can be found on menus from delicatessens to upscale gourmet eateries. They’re as fun to make as they are to eat. And since you make the call on the ingredients, they are a great way to add a little variety into an otherwise dull diet regime. Plus, wraps can make healthy holiday eating simple.

If the wrap idea seems new to you, think again. The concept of wrapping food has been around for centuries. Consider Greek gyros, Italian calzones, French crepes, Japanese sushi or Mexican burritos… each one is a type of wrap. The possibilities are endless and fit very nicely into a body-sculptor’s meal plan.

Wraps are also easy and quick, perfect for the body-sculptor who does not have enough hours in the day. By keeping a few low-fat and nutritious staples in your fridge or freezer, or on your shelves, you can have a very healthful meal when you’re dashing between holiday festivities. You can prepare several wraps at one time, put them in plastic and freeze them. You can take them with you and “nuke” them as your schedule permits – you may even want to take them to the office to help you control eating all those holiday sweets that appear in the office break-room this time of year.

I keep whole wheat and corn tortillas and fat-free shredded potatoes in my freezer, chicken, turkey, eggs and vegetables in the fridge, and tuna, canned tomatoes and salsa on my shelves. After a workout, one of my favorite meals is egg whites scrambled with vegetables, fat-free shredded potatoes cooked in Pam and a slice or two of low-fat ham wrapped in a whole wheat tortilla.

As you can see, it’s so easy you have no excuse not to try your hand at making wraps. Take a little time to eat healthy and enjoy your holidays!

A Quick Holiday Workout

During the holiday season it can be difficult to find time to squeeze in a workout. There are a few simple exercises that you can sneak into your daily routine to help you maintain your physique during the holidays.
Running Stairs up, or up and down stadium bleachers, has been popular for years, at least among coaches ready to inflict some hardcore cardiovascular benefits on their athletes. It can be used to build strength in the legs and as an anaerobic training tool. Keep in mind, that running stairs is primarily a strength-building tool. So opt for the stairs not the elevator while shopping.

Medicine Balls can also help keep your fitness routine on-track during the holiday season. Some classic drills with medicine balls include the push pass, performed like a chest press, the pullover pass, the side throw, passing the ball in an underhand motion from either side, and the seated twist. These simple exercises can be done with a co-worker at the office or with family while sitting around watching television.

Push-ups – One reason to keep doing push-ups is that they’re a great way to strengthen the triceps, chest and the front of the shoulders. To get the most out of this simple move, keep your back straight and lower your body in a controlled motion until the chest comes within a few inches or actually lightly touches the floor. The hands should be shoulder-width or slightly wider apart and directly below the shoulders. The wider the hands, the greater the involvement of the triceps.

These simple techniques can help you maintain your routine while still having time to enjoy all the holiday festivities.