Holiday parties, Pumpkin Spice Lattes (thanks a lot, Starbucks!), sweet potato pies, late night family gatherings and networking events with open bars can quickly make you a victim of celebrating the coming Holiday festivities by packing on extra pounds. Avoid adding extra weight (most Americans add 5-7 extra pounds) this winter and stay focused on your fitness and overall health.
Here’s a few easy reminders to keeping your eyes on the prize this season:
1. Eat at home. In college, I would wait patiently for free evening events to eat everything in sight to avoid not-so-sexy cafeteria dinners. Don’t do this. Eat before you arrive at the event to circumvent an impromptu “SEE food” diet. When you’re hungry, everything looks good, whether it’s a part of your diet plan or otherwise.
2. Be easy on the drinks. Alcoholic beverages are high in calories, carbohydrates and sugar. If sugar-free options are not available, have a limit and stick to it. Track your drinks in advance with a calorie counter and get serious about monitoring your consumption.
3. Conscious indulgence. Be mindful of what you are doing at your events. Just because its “free food and drinks” doesn’t mean you should come hungry and leave full. Have fun, but don’t act like no one has never taken you out before. Carry yourself more like Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope, not Halle Berry in BAPS.
Be Inspired: “The Hollywood Trainer” Jeanette Jenkins has helped some of the world’s most famous stars get in shape, tone and sculpt their bodies. With a client roster sporting names such as P!nk, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beats, Nia Long, Terrence J, Tracee Ellis Ross, Serena Williams and more, Jeanette has the expertise that can help you keep off your “winter coat” and be swimsuit ready all year round. Her latest workout video with Kelly Rowland, “Sexy Abs Cardio Sculpt” is available now on DVD. Follow Jeanette’s Instagram page for workout tips, motivation and exercise ideas.
We All Need Somebody: Black Women DO Workout is a fitness inspiration group started in 2009 dedicated to keeping women of color motivated to health and physical fitness. Founded by personal trainer and motivational speaker Crystal Adell, there’s inspirational stories, events and a global network of women to keep you on track! Get connected.
Home (Hard) Body: Don’t want to battle the winter weather for the Holiday gym crowds? Take to your living room and try this easy cardio workout at home:
- 15 Burpees
- 10 Jumping Jacks
- 15 Jump Squats
- 20 Tricep Dips
- 15 Sit-Ups (or 30 crunches)
- 60-second plank
Repeat 2X
What are your fitness goals for the coming months? Share your best winter workout tips in the comments. Let’s go ladies!
-Chuniq
