10 Ways to Avoid the Post-Holiday Weight Gain & Look Fabulous by New Year's

I have heard the average person gains 10lbs. between Thanksgiving and New Years Day.  It's not hard with all of the holiday parties and activities going on.  Everyone is eating more and working out less.  Today is the day to decide that you are not going to be the average person.  Here are 10 tips to avoid gaining that extra weight and start looking great and feeling great!

1. Get goal-oriented.  Take some time, sit down and think about what you want to achieve.  Use the S.M.A.R.T. method.  Be 'Specific' about your goal.  Make sure it is 'Measurable'.  Make sure it is 'Attainable'.  Be 'Realistic'.  And make it 'Time-sensitive'.

2. Push "restart".  It's Ok to treat yourself once in a while, but you need to get right back on track.  No one is perfect and things come up.  It's called life.  Don't beat yourself up, just get refocused tomorrow.

3. Start small.  One step at a time.  It does not matter how fast you get there, as long as you are moving in the right direction.  Think of lifestyle change.  It's better to start with 3-5 minute workouts a week than 1- hour workout a week.  Slow and steady wins the race.

4. Get balanced.  Think about what you are putting in your body.  Are you giving yourself all of the vitamins and nutrients your body needs to stay strong and healthy.  

5. Think ahead.  Pencil your workouts into your schedule just like you would any other appointments.  They are just as important as going to the doctor.  If you cannot get it in today, make sure you reschedule it for another day or make it up next week.  If you are going to a holiday party, bring a veggie tray so you know there will be something healthy to snack on.

6. Give it time.  Change does not happen overnight.  It takes at least 27 days to develop a new habit.  Focus on making one change at a time and make sure it is something you can stick to.  Remember this is a lifestyle change.  This needs to be something you can live with.

7. Get accountable.  Don't just keep your goals to yourself.  If you share them, you are more likely to stick to them.  Better yet, find yourself a a partner, a coach, or a trainer.

8. Drink water.  Most people I talk to think they drink a lot of water.  The goal is to try to drink 1/2 of your body weight in ounces.  (ex. if you weigh 100lbs.  you need to drink 50 oz. of water per day)

9. Don't skip sleep.  This is when your body rests and heals itself.  Studies have also shown a connection between sleep deprivation and obesity.  It's often a battle, but sleep is one of the most crucial elements of your schedule that has to be solid if you want to get healthy or lose weight.

10. Forgive yourself.  Have a not-so great day?  Forgive yourself and start over.  This is not going to be easy, but you are worth it!