How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

It's no debate that Americans always gain weight this time of year.  Heck even Santa puts on a few pounds.  But how much do we really gain?  And more importantly, can it be avoided?  Many experts believe we gain anywhere from 1 to 5 pounds from Halloween to New Year's Day but the good news is there are things you can do to limit or avoid any weight gain during the holiday season.

Hopefully you are not still eating Halloween candy; but, if you are, it's time to get rid of it.  Take it to the office, have your kids take it to school, or give it to our homeless Americans.  Furthermore, remember Thanksgiving DAY is only one day.  No need to stuff yourself like a turkey for more than 1 day or 1 meal for that matter.  Third, Christmas is the holiday of giving...not of eating. Granted there will be lots of delicious goodies at your disposal. Just remember to taste everything but don't indulge on anything!

Exercise is also important during the holiday season.  Most gyms are still open around the holidays.  If you don't have a gym membership, I believe it's still free to walk around your neighborhood.  What great weather we are having this fall!  As a bonus, exercise has been proven to reduce holiday stress and control blood sugar if you have eaten too many sweets.

Moreover, New Year's Eve is just not about consuming 1 or more adults beverages; it's also about setting new goals for 2014.  What a great way to start off the year with an exercise session on January 1, 2014!

Stay Hydrated This Summer

It's easy to get dehydrated in the summer sun if you exercise outdoors.  Drinking plenty of water is essential to staying hydrated.  It is the most abundant and most important nutrient in the body.  Our muscle weight is nearly 75% water.

We receive most of our water from liquids although we do get some from food.  On the other hand, we lose most of our water through sweat, exhaling, and urine.  Dehydration starts at 1% body weight loss due to sweating.  A person working out can lose as much as 3 liters of water per hour during a very strenuous workout.

Most experts suggest that a sedentary person should drink at least 2.5 liters of water per day.  On hot days and/or during exercise, water intake can be as much as 5 to 10 liters.  Proper hydration will help you maintain your workout intensity.  Studies have shown sports performance begins to drop with dehydration levels of only 1%.

So stay cool and hydrated this summer for better workouts and a healthier body!