November 26, 2019

Seven Ways to Not Get Fat During the Holidays – Mind Pump

First off, RELAX – enjoy the food and company of your family
Eat the meaningful foods (skip the Oreos, or foods you can eat any other day of the year)
When eating, SLOW DOWN
Fill your plate with protein (very filling) and veggies (high in fiber) before you hit the carbs
Make sure you’re drinking water in between meals/alcoholic drinks
If you know your holiday party won’t have any healthy dishes, bring one yourself!
After a big meal, go for a walk to aid digestion

Mind Pump consists of Sal Di Stefano (IG: @mindpumpsal), Adam Schafer (IG: @mindpumpadam) and Justin Andrews (IG:@mindpumpjustin)
- The trio have 50 years of combined fitness experience as personal trainers

From this article:
- According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the average American’s weight increases by 0.4% over Christmas, and 0.2% over Thanksgiving. In total, this amounts to around one pound gained per holiday season for the average person.

Many people freak out about their diets this time of year
- Stressing over the holidays only makes potential weight gain more likely – Relax and enjoy the food and people around you
“Your relationships are just as important to your health and longevity as eating right” – Sal di Stefano
When you’re too rigid with food, diet, and portions, you’re more likely to derail and “go crazy”

Fill your plate with protein (very filling) and veggies (high in fiber) before you hit the carbs
Then, go back for stuffing and sweet potatoes

By doing so, you’re less likely to over-consume calories
Practice “coasting” – sipping an alcoholic drink, but hydrating with water in between

Bring one yourself! – It may turn out to be the new family favorite
Also, consider bringing a low-calorie alcoholic beverage (like White Claw) for yourself

Slow DOWN – you’ll enjoy the food more and eat less
- A hack to help: Switch hands in between bites
Eat the meaningful foods – skip the Oreos (or foods you can eat any other day of the year)
- If there’s homemade pumpkin pie or your aunt’s once-a-year stuffing, go all out!

Walking massages the muscles around the intestines and aids digestion
A post-meal walk is great for relationships – it gets everyone away from their phones!

Invite visiting family to get a workout in with you
- You may have to dial back your usual workout, but so be it
Exercise blunts blood sugar spikes, so it’s a great idea to get a workout in before a large meal