Extra Care Will Help You Ring in a Healthy 2009

It’s December and time for a healthy dose of good old precautionary advice about eating right during what is often the most decadent time of year. Yes, we can all get caught up in the holiday season and let our routine health habits slip. The weather turns colder and a nice warm cup of hot chocolate (with whipped cream, of course) is just the solution. However, too many cups and you’ll no longer need the hot chocolate to warm you up—you’ll have an extra layer of fat to do that.

Now, lest you think that I am so hardcore about eating right—but let me tell you. I just recently had a chocolate “fundue” party for my dughter! Yes, there’s room for splurging if you can remember to be disciplined enough to come back to your healthy lifestyle. What happens is many Americans splurge and then forget all about eating a clean diet to keep fit.

What you consume over these next several weeks will either help you or hurt you in 2007. We all know how quickly the calories add up, how easy it is to not make time for exercise, and how these two things will affect our future health. But nobody wants to be counting calories while everyone around them is living it up! So the best scenario is to couple a healthy dose of precaution with a little freedom to let loose and a commitment to keep your body moving this holiday season. I’ve gathered a few tips that help me stay track; perhaps they’ll be useful to you too.

Exercise all year: yo-yo dieting doesn’t work and neither does yo-yo working out. Keeping the body healthy requires a year-round commitment. So, even when schedules get busy, holiday parties consume nearly every weekend, and extended family take up residence in your home—keep a little “you” time—not only will your body appreciate it but also it’ll likely help keep you sane!

Choose your beverages carefully. A frosty margarita can have more than 600 calories in it and some wines aren’t too far behind. You don’t have to avoid the spirits entirely; just try one instead of two drinks—after the holidays, your waistline will show the difference.

Don’t plan to diet beginning January 1. This is only going to cause you to over-indulge and really live it up because your mind will keeping reminding you that soon the good times will be over. Instead use moderation mostly all year long and the results will please you.

Eat before you go to a party. Yes, this is one of my all-time favorites. Show up at a party and you’re certain to eat everything in sight. If you have a little something in your stomach it takes the edge off and will make you far more reasonable when selecting what you’ll eat at the party.

Remember we don’t live to eat, we eat to live! Focus on the holiday spirit of giving, helping others, enjoying time with family. Sure, eating is part of the fun and celebration but it doesn’t have to be stressful for you, nor does eating have to take center stage to make the holidays fun. Enjoy playing ball with the family, hiking, going to a movie—simply spending time together.

Overeating one day won’t make you unhealthy—maybe uncomfortable—but doing it routinely could lead to an unpleasant 2009. Take precaution now and ring in the best year yet!

Phoebe Chongchua
		About the author:
		Phoebe Chongchua is an award-winning journalist who appears on TV, in print, and on the Internet. She's a former ABC affiliate News Reporter/Newscaster who founded Live Fit Magazine in 2004, recognizing how the journalism industry is rapidly moving online. The magazine has evolved frrom producing content only for LFM to producing much-needed video feature news stories and documentaries for companies and associations. Phoebe discovered an unfulfilled niche market and expanded LFM in order to meet the needs of a growing marektplace. Her clients are happy she did! Live Fit Magazine produces video news stories that entice viewing audiences to watch the video, spread the message, buy the product or visit the establishment. It's a creative, credible approach to marketing companies, products, and services. Few companies offer what Live Fit Magazine can do for your company in a single feature video story. Phoebe works with clients to seamlessly integrate their newly produced video into their current marketing materials. She offers expert advice on new marketing strategies and call-to-action campaigns. Her innovative efforts keep companies positioned for success and their customers regularly watching new and informative videos.
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