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!
Nancy
1. Eat small amounts of everything and always have a large glass of water before you eat. 2. Don't deny yourself anything, but just eat a small amount. 3. Find ways at work or home to burn a few calories. I clean a lot at home and don't take the elevator at work.
Sandra G.
I know about Beto and zumba I take two classes a week or four if I'm on vacation I love it!
Katie
(this is my second entry)....
-Also I don't make any foods off limits. If you deny yourself you will cave and pig out. Portion control is the key!
Katie
-Don't eat out! Pack a lunch, save a buck, take it easy on the wasitline.
-I subscribe to an online yoga studio that publishes new classes everyday that I can do in the confort of my home. Variety is the key to sticking with a fitness plan.
- If the weather allows and I have an hour to spare I run! Nothing clears the mind and relieves stress like some time in the great outdoors. And no weather related excuses here, as I'm in Minnesota!
raegan posada
Well I've always had an issue w.my weight and dieting never worked..I'm sure it was because I'm a cheater haha. One year at Thanks Giving, my grandma told me that I can eat everything I want and not feel guilty. She told me that all I need to do is grab the smaller plate instead of the bigger dinner plate and only fill that one once, with whatever I liked, and I should be set for the night.
She definitely wasn't lying! That was 4-5 years ago, and I've used that at holidays and at regular dinners. I love it because I can still taste everything and not come out stuffed and wanting to sleep 😀 That along with daily excercise helped me lose 85lbs in less than 10 months, oh and only drinking water with some lemon.
A few months ago i also bought the Zumba collection and I absolutely loveee Beto. I now tell people I'm going to dance instead of working out :] This year i plan to use the Zumba workouts to help me maintain instead of gaining that 5-10 extra lbs between Thanksgiving and New Years!
Your articles great! Good luck with your baby 😀
Cathy W
Tweeted : twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/6963966655864832
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
Cathy W
I enjoy the holidays and get in extra exercise time later. I think drinking plenty of water helps some.
cjwallace43 at gmail dot com
Tyler Reavis
I keep track of what I eat on a calorie counter app on my phone, drink lots of water, and try to stay active. And hey, it's the holidays...I'm gonna indulge just a little bit! 🙂
Kerry
I try to not deprive myself of anything, otherwise I will eventually cave and really overdue it!
Jean D.
Tweeted you!
twitterIda_Sessions/status/6539637132632064
Jean D.
I stick to a "one-third/two-thirds" rule for my dinner plate. The entree can take up one-third of the plate. The remaining two thirds are filled with vegetables and fruit. This plan requires no weighing or measuring, and it helps me eat a balanced, healthy diet.
Mary M
I tweeted
twitter.com/marybug2/status/6490975941697536
marybug2 at yahoo dot com
Mary M
The only way I have successfully lost weight is following the Weight Watcher plan for counting points.
Libby's Library
Don deprive yourself...just exercise a bit more and drink more water.
Thanks for the wonderful wonderful giveaway.
Hanan
Tweeted: twitter.com/LilacCityMomma/statuses/6480494917066753
ANGEL JACKLYN
2ND ENTRY TWEET twitter.com/kytah00/status/6479857504485376
kytah00 at yahoo dot com