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!
Claudia
I love food and staying fit is an everyday challenge but with determination and an understanding that I make the decisions that help me to stay fit or not I find that
the best way to enjoy the holidays and remain fit is to only eat when you are hungry and to use salad plates as your dinner plate ensuring that you do not overfill your plate. Also if there is a sweet treat you must have share it with your sister or other family member and be bad together but get half the calories! (I find that giving into an overwhelming craving for a yummy piece of dessert is always way better than ignoring it and then eating the whole pie, cake, ice cream, etc-we have all been there and done that! hahaha) Also when shopping for presents park far away from the mall (yes you can do it!) and burn extra calories just walking to and from your car!
Hope everyone has a great Holiday season! ☺
Leah B.
Do what you love! You will have fun and barely notice you are burning calories. Be active with your loved ones (of all ages) during this holiday season!
Walk, rock climb, hike, frisbee, bike, water aerobics, handball, an exercise video, ski, yoga, volleyball, swim, trampoline, jump rope, dance, weight lift, ping pong, roller skate/blade, tai chi, football, snowboard, soccer, horseback riding, baseball, field hockey, lacrosse, snow shoe, tennis, racquetball, hacky sack, ice skate, basketball, croquet, water polo, badminton, sled, an aerobics class, kayak, play tag/hide & seek, hit the gym or if you’re super busy make up a tiny little workout of jumping jacks, squats, leg lifts, chair dips etc. and multitask to fit it in whenever you can during the busy holidays!
I recently found an indoor pool, joined, and my first workout there revealed that I can swim for hours and love every minute of it! I’ve been stronger, calmer and lost weight since that discovery. I think when you find your favorite exercise and incorporate it into your daily routine, life becomes easier. What is your body’s passion?
Erica, I enjoy following your blog. Thank you for taking the time to share your yummy recipes and for the contest!
Donna S
Just discovered your site and I love it!. I am an honorary "Latina". My family is 100% Polish but my heart and soul and love for Latin people, culture and food is immeasurable. Many of my friends are from Colombia, Venezuela, Mexico, Cuba, Argentina, Costa Rica and PR. My nick name is "Catira" or "La Catira Polaca". I have read many of the stay fit holiday posts. Everyone has great ideas but the key is really to try and combine a variety of the suggestions.
1. Do NOT drink your calories!!! Egg nog, frozen/mixed drinks and wine are high in calories. These will kill your efforts.
2. LOG your calorie intake!!! Use an online tool such as www dot myfitnesspal dot com, which is FREE (there are others). This is a more precise way to keep track than manually. It is very important to know how much you are eating. You may think you are eating in moderation, but one bite of this, a spoonful of that and, 2-3 M&Ms, really adds up quickly and this can sabotage your efforts. The mindless little nibbling throughout the day needs to be added to your daily caloric intake. THEY COUNT - these are not free calories.
3. You MUST exercise. It's good for your heart, it speeds up your metabolism, it will burn off some of the additional calories. Be realistic- a 20 min walk is not going to burn off a slice of pumpkin cheesecake, or mashed potatoes, or your string bean casserole...If you are going to eat these calorie rich foods you are going to have to engage in some serious workouts.
4. Drink plenty of water. If you don't get 8 glasses in a day -well OK, but be conscious about it and try to get some water in-at the bare minimum,3-4 glasses.
cris richman
I exercise like crazy during th holidays,go for serious runs and long bike rides.
Then I eat like a pig and enjoy
Denise M.
Hello, there, first time commenting. I usually try to go heavy on the vegetables, less on the starches, and the smallest portions are the meats.
Congratulations on the baby!
Lindsay H
It's definitely difficult during the holidays. When my I head to see family that are going to have some tempting food prepared, I bring along healthy snacks for in between so that I don't go crazy. But all things in moderation 🙂 I tend to try and walk extra when I go shopping at the mall or if the weather is nice I get outside for a while.
Amanda
Thank you for starting this discussion, Erica. I try to balance my food choices during the holidays. I fill up my plate with as many veggies and fruits as possible. That way, I won't have as much room for the high fat options at the party. If I feel like having a calorie laden cocktail during a party, I might avoid the cookies and other tempting desserts that night.
Faith
Great article, Erica! And a huge congrats to you on your little one in the oven. 😉 Something I try to do during the holidays is eat a healthy, light meal before a party, so I'm not starving by the time I get there. Also, I try not to deprive myself of anything...for example, if I really want a cookie I'll go ahead and have it. That way I'm not feeling deprived, which will only lead to me eating three cookies later, lol! 🙂
Simply Life
Great giveaway and post! I would say my holiday motto is "enjoy in moderation" - I look forward to so many fun sweet and savory dishes this one time of year that I definitely want to enjoy them! However, I try to do this in portions and really enjoying 1 brownie rather than 3 🙂 Also, I try and keep up regular exercise!
Jenny
Hi Erica and all,
I agree that the answer is balance. I'm not very good at staying active, but I have been blessed with a good metabolism. However, I'm also very good at portion control, making sure I only eat as much as I need to feel satisfied but not stuffed. I don't deprive myself, but I try to keep sweets to a minimum as well as unhealthy foods. Drinking water is another great way to stay in shape during the holidays. I'm looking forward to visiting my family and enjoying some delicious Colombian food NYC style.
Jenny
Janis
I have lost about 15 pounds from my all-time high, which I achieved this year. In the last month, my husband & I have started to really pay attention to what we eat, and I'm making an effort to cook healthier as well as get more active. To that end, and like Blair above, I've been using an online aid to track calories and exercise.
As for the holidays, I have resolved not to deprive myself. I will try not to overindulge, but if I feel I do, I have resolved not to beat myself up over it, but pick myself up and try again! 🙂 I think that this past month has laid a decent foundation for wiser food choices. And I'm thankful that I don't have much of a sweet tooth!
Maureen
One of the things that I do is to make sure that I am drinking water. Not only is it good for you to keep hydrated in the winter months because of the heat on in the house but also it will make you feel fuller.
Blair
The best success I have ever had with watching my weight is when I seriously track my calories. I usually use an online service to do this.
Christina
Here are my top 3 tips for keeping things healthy at the holidays.
1. Have a healthy dinner BEFORE going to holiday parties. That way you do not fill up on their unhealthy treats and goodies. And always pick the lowest calorie items on the buffet table first.
2. Put on your best old disco CD when doing household chores, decorating the house or cooking and you will be surprised how many times you catch yourself dancing a bit while getting work done.
3. Make a plan with your kids or friends to go to the biggest mall or outdoor outlet stores and walk briskly when shopping. That way you will get some exercise and you will get your shopping done in record time. We just went to the Sawgrass Mall in Lauderdale and the place was huge. My legs were well exercised by the time we got done and walked (what seems like a mile) to our car.
Nats
Okay, I didn't read all of the comments so I don't know if this has been covered yet, but I have a little trick I like to do before going to a family gathering where I know there will be lots of delicious foods.
-Eat a healthy snack before you go, that way when you are there you won't feel the need to over stuff yourself on the delicious (but not so healthy) food.
Juliana
Hi Erica! First of all, don't you worry about putting on pounds during your pregnancy! A few empanaditas and buñuelos here and there are actually good for the baby (lol) & it adds to the pregnancy beauty! Just be smart about it obviously but this is your free pass to put on some weight with absolutely no worries 🙂 Plus, you'll end up losing 99% of it after the baby is born and you'll be back to your gorgeous self.. as for me, my favorite part of the holidays IS the food! Moderation still is the bottom line, enjoy but obviously don't exaggerate. Walking & drinking water is also key... and if all else fails, I've found the Scarsdale diet to be very effective and not difficult at all.