Your Holiday Party Survival Guide:

Here we go again…The end is near, holiday parties are coming. What are you going to do? With the shorter cold days you may have a much easier time talking yourself into staying in bed instead of working out. Add that to the extra holiday snacking and BAM! Holiday weight gain strikes again…Hit 2010 running with these tried and true tips to keep you from bombing through the holidays…

Survival Tip #1: Eat a sensible meal before the party.
You should always try to arrive at parties with a full stomach. I realize that this goes against the popular trend of starving yourself before a party, and that’s exactly why most people gain weight. Since your stomach will be full, you’ll have the clarity to pick and choose the treats that you really want, rather than stuffing yourself with everything in sight. If you cant seem to stop picking at things my favorite trick is always grabbing the raw veggies and filling up and their bulk and fiber. And if you anything like my family who always seems to say, “wait until we have our big dinner when the whole family gets here.” Then, maybe 2 hours after our planned time everyone finally shows up to eat…and your appetite has sky rocketed…be ready for a binge and a huge nap. Then you will find yourself saying, “gee Christmas really flew by this year!”

Survival Tip #2: Bring a healthy dish to share.
Don’t worry if the party that you’re going to isn’t a potluck – the hostess will love you for being so thoughtful, and you’ll have a healthy option to enjoy.

The Festive Hummus recipe below is perfect to bring to parties. Or, as above bring the veggie dish (instead of ranch, try dipping it in salsa)!

Survival Tip #3: Never drink calories.
Do you realize how quickly calories add up when you’re slurping them out of a cup? Alcoholic beverages and sweet holiday drinks are simply packed with calories. These calories don’t take up much room in your stomach so you’re left wide open for even more calories. Likewise, egg nog, soda, flavored hot drinks are all packed full of calories to wash those Christmas cookies down…bad idea. However, tis the season to be merry, so I understand you might indulge a bit. Heck, I will have a Budweiser, or two, or ten, BUT, I will NOT be washing any cookies down with them. Likewise, this will be balanced out with exercise. Yes, even on Christmas day!!

Your best strategy is to avoid these beverages altogether, and stick with water. Aim to drink 2-3 glasses of water at the party.

Survival Tip #4: Fill your plate, but only once.
I’m certainly not going to tell you that you shouldn’t eat anything at the party. By all means, go and fill up your plate. But only once.

That’s right, you heard me. No going back for seconds. Since you’ve already eaten a sensible meal before arriving, this rule is going to be easier to keep than you think.

Survival Tip #5: Taste dessert, just a taste.
What are the holidays without all about those sweet and obscure seasonal treats that grandma makes, so go ahead and partake. But just a taste. Look at desserts as something to savor, not something to fill up on.

And since you ate a sensible meal before you came, then you filled up your dinner plate once you’re probably going to be pretty full at this point anyway.

That’s it – all you need to know to not gain a single pound at holiday parties.

But what about the rest of the year?

Wouldn’t you love to make 2010 the year that you transform your body?

Wouldn’t it feel great to throw out all of your big clothes? To look forward to bathing suit season? To be given a clean bill of health from your doctor? And to be showered with compliments by family, friends and that special someone? Or to run into someone you haven’t seen in years and they don’t recognize you? I hear these stories all the time. Now its your turn.

It’s all more possible than you think.

But you’ll need to take massive action.

Our programs are designed to quickly and efficiently get you into the best shape of your life. I DON’T like to waste time and strive to get people on the fastest way to not only achieve optimal fitness but look better than ever. Stay tuned and find out how one man recently lost 83lbs while only doing 30 minutes of cardio per week. Very contrary to the popular (and boring) cardio bunny workout cranking out miles and miles everyday…

Holiday Hummus!

While the red and green speckles give this homemade hummus a jolly look, it’s the taste that makes it unforgettable. This dip makes the perfect party take-along. Serve it up with whole grain pita bread or fresh cut veggie sticks. Yield: 12 servings

Here’s what you need:

• 1 (15 oz) can garbanzo beans
• 1 Tablespoons tahini
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 Tablespoon water
• 2 garlic cloves, mashed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons soy sauce
• 4 sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup basil leaves

1. Throw all the ingredients into a food processor and combine until smooth.

Nutritional Analysis: One serving equals: 55 calories, 2g fat, 6g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, and 2g protein.

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