For most people, the holidays are a time to pack on extra pounds. Add the stress of a bad economy and you’ve got the recipe for weight gain and poor health. But your weight and health don’t have to be victims of the financial system or the holiday season. You can choose to make this winter a season of losing weight and improving your health. Even though our economy is unhealthy, there is no reason you need to be. Here are a few tips to help you lose weight this winter without blowing your budget:
Burn calories and save money at the same time!
-Walk all around the mall to find the best price. Many stores carry similar products with varying prices. So once you know what you want, go back and check out every store for the best deal. Often times, stores will honor other store’s prices, so it pays to walk back and forth between stores to negotiate the price.
-Turn shopping trips into workouts. Wear your running shoes to the mall and walk several extra laps. Make the loop between stores, even if they are right next door. Drop off each package in your car as you buy. Take less cash with you so you shop less and walk more.
-Enjoy the cool weather – bundle up and take a walk. Walking can be done anytime of the day. Don’t let the weather prevent you from getting physical activity. Wear layers of warm clothes and a reflector vest at night. You can park farther away from work, take a mini walk break several times a day, walk to lunch or take a walk instead of lunch.
-Walk somewhere instead of driving. You’ll be saving gas and money!
-Plan high physical activity days. Try to exercise on three separate occasions, one or two days each week. Start with an early morning workout. Then grab 15-20 minutes at lunchtime. Finish with a third bout of exercise in the evening. This will supercharge your metabolism and your body will love you.
Holiday party coming up?
-Eat more healthy foods on the day of a party. Fill yourself up with inexpensive fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned or frozen – there is almost always something on sale). Never go to a party hungry, where you will be tempted to eat less healthful foods. It’s still okay to eat at the party, but you’ll eat much less if you show up full instead of ravenous.
-Watch alcohol consumption. Many people drink more alcohol (which is loaded with calories) during the holidays. Drink a glass of water or a diet soda before and after each alcoholic beverage to help pace you and dilute calories. Better still have an alcohol free party – you’ll be saving calories and money.
-Throw a pot luck party. Ask everyone to bring a low calorie or healthful dish. You’ll be surprised how creative people can get and how delicious the food is.
Family coming into town?
-Take your family sightseeing or to a local museum or park. It will be a great way to incorporate some exercise for everyone in the family and an inexpensive way to entertain them.
-Give healthy gifts this year. Try giving homemade fruit baskets or an inexpensive pedometer as a stocking stuffer. Give a pair of running shoes, or if you don’t know the size, a gift card to a sporting goods store. Inspiring others to be more healthful may be the best gift you can give this year and money well spent!
Remember, the holidays are not just about eating. There’s much joy to be found in spending time with loved ones and just savoring the season. Above all, remember to have fun in the New Year. When you’re enjoying yourself, you don’t feel the need to eat from stress or anxiety. Keep in mind that in these tough economic times, it’s easy to feel out of control. The one thing you can control is your body and your health. Take your mind off the economy and refocus on your health.
If you are doing everything right and still can’t lose weight, get checked out by a doctor. You may have a medical problem or hormonal imbalance that’s impeding weight loss success.
Posted by drisaacs 
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