Did you gain weight over the holiday?

I did!

I know exactly how it happened too. I enjoyed a few extra treats for too many days. Christmas goodies are my downfall!

Those empty calories added up and now my favorite jeans are tight. Grrr!

It doesn’t seem fair that those pounds go on so quickly.

Tempted to start a new diet?

Don’t!

I’ve tried lots of diets. Whenever I make a food group off limits it becomes the food I want the most!

A few weeks of deprivation and that new diet is done.

So what can we do about those Christmas pounds?

Accept the fact that we overindulged. We made those choices. Those Christmas foods didn’t jump into our mouths by themselves!

But we won’t beat ourselves up! Christmas only comes once a year and it’s ok to enjoy a few extra treats.

But it’s not license to keep overeating.

Don’t start a new diet.

Instead, make some lifestyle changes.

I call them little steps.  These steps have helped me lose weight and keep it off for over 10 years.

Here’s my battle plan for those unwanted Christmas pounds.

1. I will use my smaller plate. That helps my portions be smaller.

2. Water will be my first choice for something to drink except for my morning coffee.

3. The treats will be shared with family and friends. I will get them out of my house. The temptation will be gone

4. I will make nutrient rich food choices. It’s not about low calories. Think about these 2 snacks. Chocolate covered rice cakes are low in calories and satisfy my sweet tooth. But they don’t give my body any worthy fuel. Or I can choose an apple with peanut butter. Which contains fiber, vitamins, protein and fat as well as great taste. This choice gives my body worthy fuel.

5. I will move my body everyday for 30 minutes. I really like to walk. I will walk outside if the winter weather cooperates. If not, I will walk in a mall or indoor facility. Or I can do one of Leslie Sansone’s walking videos. She has some on YouTube.

 

6.I will weigh myself once a week. I need the accountability.

7. I will remember that God loves me. I am His beautiful creation. I can call out to Him for help when the temptations are strong. Or when my self-esteem takes a dive because I’ve made some poor choices. God cares about my health and yours too!

Today’s little step: Follow these little steps to health. They work for me and they can work for you too!

Remember every little step makes a difference!

Dixie