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| Fitness Buzz: December 19, 2007 | ||||||
Beat the "Holiday Hangovers" NOW  In one of my recent blogs I asked the question… How many of you felt a little tired last Monday morning after the long holiday weekend? C'mon, I know I'm not alone. It was a joy to have my eldest daughter home from college this Thanksgiving. She'll be back again for the holidays later this month and I can't wait for the festivities we have planned to begin. I have to admit, though, that after last week's busy schedule and long weekend, I felt like I needed a "vacation from the vacation." I also sensed that the slight exhaustion that washed over me at the start of the week was just the beginning. It could keep building over time right up to December 31st-when, of course, we're supposed to ring in the new year and be ready to start 2008 with a bang. I can see how one can arrive at January 2nd with a "holiday hangover"-feeling a bit spent from the alleged "break." This time of year, there's a lot of talk about calorie overload and |
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inevitable weight gain thanks to those yummy sweet treats and cocktails that seem to be at every social gathering we attend. We easily find excuses for not putting in a good workout or getting a good night's sleep. Not a lot gets said about this chronic tiredness that sets in right around Thanksgiving and lingers on through the holiday. Is there a way to have it both ways? Can we celebrate to our heart's desire and find time to rest up for the coming year? An article published by the Associated Press reminded me of the three biggest holiday energy zappers: overeating, drinking, and lack of sleep. The irony in it all is that while we work really hard in anticipation of enjoying a "relaxing" holiday break come December, we're doing what wears us down the most this time of year: working late to get more done, shopping early on weekends because many stores open before sunrise, eating copious sweets, sugary and heavy foods at buffet tables, and drinking more alcohol than usual. Add to that the traveling many of us do to catch up with family and friends (often late into the night), and you've got a recipe for persistent overtiredness. In my latest book (Feed Muscle, Shrink Fat Diet, which hits retail stores nationwide January 8th), I talk about how important it is to get a good night's sleep. In fact, sleep is more powerful than you might think: It will help you control your eating better because high-quality sleep is proven to factor into the regulation of your appetite hormones. Sleep more, weigh less. It doesn't get much better than that! Keep in mind that sleep also will stock up your energy reserves and allow you to spread good cheer. (Its restorative effects mean it will naturally rejuvenate your body on a cellular level, too, making you look and feel vibrant. Who doesn't want to look fantastic when you visit with all those friends and relatives?)  No matter how you approach the holidays, make an effort to stay physically active on some level. If you feel lethargic or guilty after a heavy meal, just get up and pop in one my DVD's or reconnect with an old friend and take a brisk walk (even it's only for 30 minutes) and you'll feel much better. You can't go wrong if you stay consistent with your exercise through the holidays. This month I am very excited to announce the release of my two new DVD workouts (Available Dec. 18th ), both have customized workout options that will fit into the most hectic of holiday schedules and make great gifts for loved ones. 
TUMMY TRIMMERS - Beat the bulge with this holiday with your own customized Ab workout. Choose from 5 different ten minute segments to trim your waistline, Standing Abs, Core Abs, Boot Camp Abs, Stability Ball Abs and Pilates Abs use the latest techniques to target belly fat, train your core..you’ll never get bored or reach a plateau.More Info 
PEEL OFF THE POUNDS PILATES - Kick the fat-burning power of Pilates into high gear and burn off those extra holiday calories. Three slimming routines that combine the principles of Pilates and proven fat-burning techniques using upper and lower body routines while maximizing your weight loss potential.More Info This past week Oprah announced another "make a commitment" weight loss challenge for 2008. But before we even get to 2008, I say make a commitment to getting the sleep and exercise you need to stay on track this holiday. You probably know what that means for you, whether it's 7 or 9 hours of sleep and 30 minutes to an hour of exercise, do what works best…leave the dishes in the sink or turn off the TV if you have to. Bonus: You won't be called a Scrooge and you won't welcome 2008 with extra padding around your waist!
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