Don't Go It Alone -- Let's Fight Holiday Fat Together

I don't know about you, but the holidays are one of the hardest times for me to stick to a diet.  With all the food that is made and brought to the table, and all the great conversation and company, it is hard to not sit there and pick.  And, by the time I usually leave the table, not only do I feel guilty to overindulging, but my waistline doesn't let me forget, as I look down and see the bulge.  

Having had my two daughters back to back in 2010 and 2011, I have struggled to lose the baby weight I gained with both of them.  When the pounds started coming off, I found myself pregnant and gaining weight again.  And, then once Arabella was born on 11/10/11, the holidays followed, where I couldn't say, "No," to my favorite meals, turkey dinner with all the fixings.  Oh, and did I mention all the tasty handmade Italian cookies and pastries that followed each meal. These are also my weakness. :-(

Prior to Thanksgiving this year, I found myself finally losing the excess baby weight, that was until I sat down with my family to enjoy our turkey dinner.  By the time I weighed myself the next day, I had put on 3 pounds as a result of my overindulging.  Then, instead of looking forward to losing this new weight gain, I began the hectic holiday shopping season, working on my holiday gift guide for my blog, and also dealt with the family being sick, I found myself snacking again. :-(  And, as I get ready to sit down for another family meal for Christmas tomorrow, I can only imagine how much I will add to my waistline and what I see on the scale.  

But, like many, one of my resolutions for the new year, will be to lose the excess baby weight and the weight I put on from Thanksgiving and Christmas overindulging.  And, with the help of a new website, LetsFightHolidayFat.com, I know I can finally see results, and keep the weight off.   

LetsFightHolidayFat.com combines three core elements for the weight conscious during the holidays: diet, physical activity and motivation in an easy-to-use interface. It helps track goals and prepare for long-term success with features including:

-           Follow-along fitness videos; from cross training to yoga / pilates

-           Healthy (reduced calorie, low-fat) daily meal suggestions and recipes 

-           Custom calorie and activity tracking

-           Community and social features and forums

-           Smart phone accessibility

-           Expert tips and tricks

 
Busy Mom and Let's Fight Holiday Fat spokesperson, Samantha Harris, shared her tips for 'Surviving the Season' on the LetsFightHolidayFat.com website, which can be accessed FREE of charge.  I have also included them below for your reference:

"As a TV Personality and busy mom of two, I understand the stresses and temptations the holidays can bring - especially for those trying to maintain their current weight. That’s why I’m encouraging those seeking support to visit LetsFightHolidayFat.com – a new, free online guide for Americans trying to squeeze in healthy eating and exercise this season. The tool, created courtesy of alli_® - the only FDA-approved weight loss aid available without a prescription – is for anyone interested in overcoming the holidays and being weight loss ready in 2013.

Here are some of my favorite tips to help you get started – be sure to visit LetsFightHolidayFat.com for more healthy diet, exercise and motivation for defeating temptation while embracing the holidays:

1.     Make healthy low-fat food choices. Swap out the high fat ingredients in your favorite holiday recipe for healthier options.

2.     Snack Often. Have healthy snacks at hand to help keep you from reaching for holiday goodies. Apples, low-fat string cheese and baby carrots are low-fat and easy to pack! Have a sweet tooth? Try a small peppermint candy (fat-free!) to satisfy your temptation.

3.     Exercise. Exercise. Exercise. Finding small ways to fit in physical activity can help maintain your weight and energy throughout the season. Going holiday shopping? Park the car in the farthest spot from the store entrance. Cooking? Work your legs with squats while waiting for the water to boil.

4.     Plan Ahead. Going to a holiday party? Eat a low-fat snack at home to help you stay on track and avoid over-indulging in unhealthy choices.

5.     Keep Stress Levels Low. Eating healthy and being physically active can play a big part in keeping holiday stress at bay. Keeping stress levels low also may help prevent weight gain. Try to find a time in a busy day to take a few minutes for exercise, deep breathing, or eat a healthy, low-fat snack."

To learn more and to join, visit LetsFightHolidayFat.com.

One way that I will try not to overindulge tomorrow is by snacking often before the big meal on healthy snacks like carrots and apples.  I usually bring some for the girls to snack on, but will be packing an extra bag for myself to enjoy with them.  And, then when it comes to enjoying the meal, I will try to fill up on the steamed veggies that are always served, as well as limit my bread and starch intake.  Portion control will be key.  And, hopefully by filling up on snacks before the meal, I will not find myself reaching for seconds or thirds.  Then, for dessert, I have made a few healthier alternatives to favorite desserts, which I will bring and share with all.  Here are two recipes I found when browsing the LetsFightHolidayFat.com, and plan to make and bring for all to enjoy:

 

Holiday Parfait

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1/2 cup kiwi, sliced
• 1 6 oz. Greek non-fat honey yogurt
• 1/3 cup low-fat granola cereal

Preparation

1. Mix berries and granola into yogurt. Enjoy!

Source: alli LetsFightHolidayFat.com recipe section -- https://www.letsfightholidayfat.com/meals/2

 

Pomegranate Smoothie

"Start your day the low-fat way with this nutrient packed smoothie. It's a tasty breakfast to help you power through your holiday festivities. Most recipes are not intended as a complete meal, but for alli users, some of the recipes may already be at your calorie and fat gram target."

• Ingredients

  1. 2 TBS. whole flaxseed
  2. 1/2 cup orange juice
  3. 1/2 cup pomegranate juice
  4. 1/2 cup nonfat vanilla Greek style yogurt
  5. 1 cup unsweetened frozen mixed berries
  6. 1 small banana

• Preparations

  1. Place flaxseeds in dry blender, cover and blend until ground into a fine powder.
  2. Add orange juice, yogurt, mixed berries and banana. Cover and blend until smooth.
  3. To make the meal even heartier, add a piece of whole wheat toast with a little jam!
  
  Source: alli LetsFightHolidayFat.com recipe section -- https://www.letsfightholidayfat.com/recipe/pomegranate-smoothie
  

So, as you sit down to your holiday meal with family and friends tomorrow, don't get hung up on your weight loss goals.  Instead, plan accordingly by filling up on healthy snacks, exercising before or after the meal, and watching your portion control. Don't forget to check out the LetsFightHolidayFat.com. website for more tips, as you head int o the new year with a resolution to lose weight.  I know that this website will help me reach my weight loss goals, as it is full of useful and easy to incorporate tips and tricks, to make losing weight a reality.

 

 

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for alli. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.