That Girl

Although the Christmas season is just a blur, the aftermath may still be fresh. Too much spending, eating and running around have likely left you feeling stressed.

The only thing that could have made my holidays more stressful would be to have gained a noticeable amount weight. I don’t mean enjoying a few fresh baked holiday treats, or putting on a couple of seasonal pounds—I mean losing control for three or more consecutive days with no time to exercise and little time to prepare a healthy meal.

Thankfully, and due to experience, tenacity and pure determination, I refused to let that happen. So when a co-worker asks; “are you one of those people?” I guess my response is— “yes”.

I am “that girl”—the one that strategically plans workouts, brings my lunch to school and in the midst of chaos—or a holiday break—even manages to stick to an exercise regime so that upon returning to work I can still button my pants.

I plan, prepare, shop and schedule so that when life gets in the way, the waistline and/or backside doesn’t. My recommendation is that you make a plan too before you reach the point of no return. To maintain some semblance of balance and control during any vacation or upon returning to normalcy, you must have a plan of action.

Firstly, set limits. Have rich foods in small portions. If you eat a power lunch, make dinner a cup of soup. If you choose caloric libations, go easy on the meats and fill up on vegetables instead. I may suggest even fasting one day a week. Likely you have enough energy and fat stored up to go without for at least 24 hours.

Take your lunch to work or school. I have yet to eat a school lunch or fast food meal that measures up to anything home cooked. Really, there is nothing that can be eaten outside your kitchen that will have as much nutrition or whole ingredients than what you prepare at home.

Plan it, purchase the groceries to make it and cope with co-worker comments like; “are you one of those people?” Be proud, be envied and and be prepared for the influence your behavior will have on others. You will have more energy and be better able to achieve your weight loss goals as well.

As the saying goes, the early bird gets the worm. Try it! Get up before dawn. Let’s face it, when prioritizing, despite your best intentions, exercise comes after work responsibilities, family gatherings and other obligations.

My normal five day a week commitment to move is suddenly compromised. My calendar looks like an explosion of high school basketball games, work deadlines and year end tax preparations.

With only two free evenings a week, exercising before work may be the only option. Although not ecstatic at my limited free time, I wake at 5 a.m. and work out. It is done and therefore it is good. Furthermore your evenings are free to run errands or catch up on housework.

Don’t fret over having to shorten your workout or having to skip one during the week. Fit in a longer workout on the weekend and remember; normality will likely return with little damage done.

Splurge—a little. Strategically plan for treats. Sound boring? Have it your way then. Eat what you want when you want and pay for it for several months ahead—OR—savor your favorite special treat everyday in small doses and no one gets hurt.

Allow for 200 free calories a day on goodies. Make it purposeful, pleasurable and pretty. Don’t waste it on candies or pies just because they are in your face. Wait for it. Admire its beauty and make sure before consuming that it is worth every calorie.

I might suggest in 2014 that instead of setting New Years resolutions that you just dare to be different. Be that person they talk about at the lunch table or around the conference table.

Whether you are in the midst of a holiday season or recovering from one, plan for life’s little interruptions and stay one step ahead.

For comments or questions email suzannemcginnis@me.com