This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.
So, just how do we stay fit as the holidays approach and all of its temptations are upon us?
Exercise and eat right, of course. We all know that's what we need to do to stay fit and healthy, but it's much easier said than done. I have to admit, I am not a diet or exercise freak, but I do like to look and feel good so my solution is... BALANCE.
There has to be a happy medium somewhere in between eating only steamed vegetables and adding pork belly to all of your dishes as my grandmother used to do. I try not to sacrifice taste just to lose weight so for me it's about the balance of good tasting food with fresh and healthy ingredients, but not to the point that I'm diminishing the flavor, because I love good tasting, flavorful foods. I try to use the minimum amount of fat that I feel is needed to maintain great flavor while cooking healthy.
This holiday season is going to be especially challenging for me because I am pregnant! Did I neglect to mention that? 😉 Being pregnant makes it more difficult for me to diet and exercise. I am almost always tired and I’m carrying an extra fifteen pounds. And because I am eating for two, I crave little snacks throughout the day.
Nowadays, we are lucky enough to have products on the market that don't sacrifice flavor and are low in fat, which make staying fit and healthy much easier. The Laughing Cow for example has many delicious and healthy snacks available for your family. We absolutely love their Mini Babybel Cheese. I always keep this cheese at home for my son and me. If you want learn more about Laughing Cow products you should visit their official site and go to the store and try some for yourself.
Being a busy mom, I have learned how to squeeze in some exercise without sacrificing time and making a huge effort. Here are some tips that I find helpful. When going to the mall for your holiday shopping, try walking up stairs instead of using the escalator or elevator. You could vacuum your house more often and don't forget to take the dog for daily walks. Not only will you burn some calories, but you'll have a clean house and a happy dog!
You could take your kids to the park and run around with them instead of sitting on a bench talking with the other moms drinking a cafe' au lait. You could also push them on the swing...over and over and over again...
Finally, if you have a little extra time, take a Zumba class! It's a great way to meet new people and have some fun while staying fit. You'll feel like you are at a party the whole time, which is wonderful for the holiday spirit. I'll bet you didn't know that Zumba was created by a Colombian guy. No wonder why Zumba classes are so much fun!
Oh, and by the way, I am giving away a $150 Visa gift card from BlogHer! If you would like to a chance to win, please leave a comment with your thoughts and tips on how you stay fit and healthy during the holiday season even while surrounded by all those holiday temptations and you will be entered in the giveaway. Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry. I will use a random number generator to select the winner from the comments.
And don't forget to visit The "Daily Dose of Well-Being" to read daily health tips and for weekly chances to win at the “Play for Laughs” game and to check out other bloggers' stories and more chances to win!
Click here for official rules.
PS- Please keep in mind the following as per the official rules:
-Initial Winner will be notified by email. Please check to ensure we have your current, correct email address. Winners must accept their prize within 72 hours of notification. If the Prize is not timely accepted by the Initial Winner, the Alternate Winner will be notified by email and shall be awarded the Prize if timely accepted. Please do not leave your email address in the body of your comment but rather in the corresponding field on the comment form.
-Only two entries per household.
-Entries must be written in English. Sorry to anyone who only writes in Spanish, but I don't make the rules 🙂
I will also be announcing the winner on my blog as well so if you've already left a comment without your email address, just be sure to check back when the contest is over. You can always supply me with your email address at that time. Thanks and good luck!
norma
Now that the weather is changing it is easier to walk. I walk 3 miles 3 days per week and I am quite busy running around.
Lets face it at my age it's easier putting on the pounds that getting them off. I remember my Mom telling me that after a certain age it was very difficult to lose weight. She was right. I have gained since I started blogging so I say...in order to be safe, eat half of what's on your plate.
Erica...I see that the scale was off when you took the picture...smile...
Margie S
Balance is definitely the key!
The holiday season would not be so delightful without all of the tasty foods and desserts. I would recommend not depriving yourself of eating anything you want, but definitely keep the portions small. Whenever possible, replace a starchy food (like potatoes) with greens (like broccoli or spinach). Be sure to stay hydrated, as well! This is especially important if you indulge in alcoholic drinks. Also, many dessert recipes call for too much sugar. I usually cut the sugar by 1/4 of what the recipe calls and it still tastes great. In cake recipes that call for oil, replace it with unsweetened applesauce.
Walking nightly (especially after dinner) gives your metabolism a boost and allows you to clear your mind. Exercising regularly (whether it's Yoga, weight lifting, running, or anything else that you enjoy) is important for your physical and mental health and should not be avoided! I know it's easier to sit in front of the TV to relax after a long day of work, but reading a good book while walking or jogging on a treadmill is more beneficial.
I wish you all a great holiday season!
Shannon
It's fun to have a holiday healthy hors d'œuvres party. We get together in December and bring a healthy hors d'œuvre and cards with the recipes to hand out to anyone who wants one. It keeps us accountable! A great way to share healthy ideas and still enjoy gathering together during the holidays.
ShootingStarsMag
Don't make too many sweets! And if you get some from people, pass some around and only keep a bit...the less you have around you, the better it seems!!! 🙂
Esef aka pixen
Firstly, Congratulations to you and family! 🙂 So happy for you!
I know what is like eating for two but I was lucky for not having any cravings or fainting spells and didn't follow what people said, "you must eat more for the sake of yourself and baby"! That means eating 2x !!! The Asians, mostly older generations always pushing their daughters/daughter-in-laws for extra food for the sake of the baby but they never think that extra weight caused difficult birth and may cause dangers not only for the unborn baby but the mother as well. Not mentioning overweight baby!
During my pregnancy, I ate what I usually cook - that's lots of vegetables including traditional salads with herbs. For protein, I'm into fish abundantly available in the tropics with occasionally indulgence in venison and ostrich meat mostly cooked Chinese style with lots of ginger, garlic and spices! Yep...most of time I steam and quick stir-fry my food with quality oil like Olive oil, Sunflower, Argan and few others (I don't use Canola Oil which I found not suitable for human consumption after reading all those reports).
I agreed with Zumba class totally! It's totally fun and should be that way...Where can you find a routine that not only helps you shedding those weight but also learn to dance and socialised? Since pregnancy is no-no for such class (not even yoga for some-have to check with your doctor) I took leisure walks along promenades and quays for several kilometers per day with my hubby who enjoyed it as well. It really helps for the extra weight during the 40 weeks gestation period 🙂
Most important, never forsake exercise even it's just simple vacuuming or gardening... incorporate exercise into everyday chores you love 🙂 Consume balance diet and laugh always... Laughter is another facial muscles excercise too! 😀
Keep me update with your progress ok? Take care and smile always!
monica young
I always try to eat a little bit of everything but in moderation. I know that if i try to avoid some foods I am going to end up given in and eating more. I indulge in moderation and hit the gym.
All the dancing and decorating the house help burn some calories too....
Nissa
I love your recipes! Follow you on Face book. Being from Miami I grew up with Colombian food and your recipes really take me back. I have made so many and each one has turned out so delicious! Even my picky boys ask for your dishes!
During the holidays I increase the amount water I drink, choose my calories/fat wisely. I try not to waste calories on juices or drinks. Go for non-fat,skinny lattes. I try a little bit of all the tradition favorites-but just a little and choose the healthy foods to actually eat during meal times. Eat healthy before you go to parties-when I do this I am less likely to go crazy!
Thanks for sharing your good news with us! God Bless.
Tanya
Walk. I try to walk, and chasing two small children around helps me do that!
Diana Lopez
Great tips for staying fit during the holidays. And I'm a true believer in daily walks. My mom broke her back back in May and the best exercise for pain control is walking at least 30 minutes a day. Since then I've joined her to keep her company and it not only keeps us healthy and fit but it's a great time for us to bond. Now that it's winter time here in Denver, we now take our daily walks to the recreation center which we plan on doing during the holidays to keep off the extra weight! =D
meeyeehere aka Rachel Crisman
Yeah,it's not easy!I try to pick up on my evening walks,walking 2 miles instead of one.Also I try to only allow myself to pig out on one meal a day.
HA!!I tell ya,it's not easy
Ashley K
I make sure to watch how much and what I'm eating. I make sure to get plenty of fruits and vegetables to fill me up and keep working out of course!
saskia
When going out, we try to "split" desserts or richer appetizers or sides among friends/family. Usually others also want a taste of something creamy or sweet, but not the guilt of eating the whole serving or feeling like food is being wasted if you don't finish the portion restaurants serve (and that you have paid for). It is a nice way to avoid feeling deprived while still maintaining portion control--and having that sense of a family style meal with good friends.
Nico
Hola parcera!!!
I recommend just staying "passively active". While enjoying the holiday treats, just try to go for more walks. My wife is now 9 months pregnant and she says, while it sometimes her back became sore, the walking was very valuable for her.
In addition, for everyone else, holiday time also suggests more opportunities for dancing - so dance the nights away before, during, after dinner!
Mami2jcn
I just discovered your site! My mom is Colombian. Yes, I Zumba as well and Beto is from Cali!
What I plan to do this holiday season is keep a food diary and keep a count of the calories I consume. That way I won't go out of control.
AdrianaG.
I am kind of lucky because no matter what I eat I don't gain weight. These holidays we are going home to Colombia to spend them with the family and off course we will catch up on all the Colombian food we miss due to living in a different country. Erica, thanks for the chance. I hope I win. The prize will be great to buy Christmas presents. Happy Holidays!
J. Soto
Well I think you just about covered them.. I do enjoy the daily walks.. a lil extra time at the gym... and do my best to snack more often... Everything in moderation.. There is no way I can fully give up the holiday pleasures.. but we do what we can..