A big hey-hey-hey and a ho-ho-ho!
 
Burrel here, wishing you and yours a Happy Holidays.
 
Now, being in the motivational biz, I know that losing weight is #1 on many peoples’ New Years Resolutions list.  Many of you are probably planning to hit the gym come January 1, and I recognize your ambition.
 
However, I know just as many of you are planning to stuff yourselves silly over the next couple of weeks on home cookin’, goodie baskets and party munchies.  You’ll probably drink more alcohol than usual, too.
 
Do me a favor, won’t you? 
 
Actually, do YOURSELF this favor. 
 
Yes, have a piece of Auntie’s fudge and a big helping of mashed potatoes at Mom’s big dinner.  But don’t overdo it.  One piece of fudge, not 10, okay?  This is what paying yourself first is all about. Auntie will probably want you to take another piece, but stay strong and true to yourself and your goals. Exercise a little bit of restraint now, and you’ll greatly increase your odds of losing that weight in ’08.
 
Here are some tips to keep on track while socializing this season:
1. If you overdo it at a party or dinner the night before, eat very light the next day.  Eat fresh fruits and veggies and drink water to flush out the alcohol and salt.
2. Don’t mindlessly down handfuls of Chex Mix. Pay attention! Allow yourself to “taste” treats people set out, and that’s it.
3. If you really gotta have that drink, stick to light beer or clear alcohol. If you want to make sure you don’t drink too much at a party, pick a drink you don’t like!
4. No eggnog! It’s a whole day’s worth of calories in one tiny glass.
5. Don’t let your family and friends guilt you into eating. If they try to make you feel bad, tell them you’re doing this for your health, so you can be around at family holiday celebrations for years to come.
6. If asked to bring something, how about a box of those delicious tangerines they sell this time of year? Those little things are so sweet; they’re better than cookies.
7. Try to fit in a couple of quick 15-minute brisk walks around the block each day.  Invite your favorite cousin along with you, and use this as a private time to catch up away from the rest of the fam.

Tags: holidays diet lose weight pay yourself first Burrel

This entry was posted on Friday, December 21st, 2007 at 2:47 pm and is filed under Pay Yourself First. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.