Activity is Key to Winning Battle of the Holiday Bulge

Most of us look forward to celebrating with family and friends during this season but we don't look forward to the dreaded weight gain that comes from too many festivities.  I remember years ago when a friend of mine told me to expect to gain "at least 5 pounds" between Thanksgiving and the new year.  Five pounds?  That's enough to make the waist band on your favorite slacks not fit!
Instead of caving into such a compromise of ceding a few pounds every year, I instead did a little research and, by using creativity to come up with some ideas, have devised a way to keep those dreaded pounds away and still have fun during the Holidays!
What I have discovered is that activity is the key to countering any potential weight gain.  You don't have to deny yourself the parties, cookies, candies, and festive dinner gatherings with long-missed friends and family.  Instead, realize that with these festivities will be increased calories from all the food and drink no matter how moderate your portions.  So, add more physical activity to your daily schedule to burn those extra calories.  Simple, right?
Except that in the real world we don't have time for long workouts.  No problem though...that's where your innovative spirit and creativity come into play.  Below are a few tips I've come up with to get you started.  You can adapt them, let me know of more you've come up with:

• Park toward the back of the parking lot when you're shopping.  You will always find a parking space at the end of the row and the round-trip walk will burn calories!
• Use the shopping mall as a place to walk off extra calories.  Wear your walking shoes when you go shopping and enter the mall at the opposite end of where you plan to shop.  Many malls stay open later too so you can even stop in after work and walk to get some exercise in a safe environment.
• Don't heap mounds of food on your plate at dinners or parties.  Instead sample everything and take only a bite or two.  In that way, you are complementing the chef and satisfying your own cravings without a bunch a calories.
• When watching TV in the evening, lift hand weights or do leg lifts instead of just sitting there.  During commercials, stand up and walk around the room or do some stretches.
• At work, schedule walking meetings rather than sitting.
• Eat low-cal low-fat and vegetarian foods between Holiday parties and dinners.
• For some vegetarian recipes, go here.

Have a wonderful and healthy Holiday and New Year.  Let me know of any more ideas you have to shed calories or add activity to your daily schedule.