Beverly Hills Fitness Secrets Newsletter

Four Holiday Tips to Beat The Bulge...

The Holidays are in full swing. If you are like most people then the Holidays bring about a sense of wonder, an atmosphere of good will and....a huge plate of food followed by tons of Christmas cookies!

More than 50 percent of adults gain weight during this magical time of year but you don't have to be one of them! In this issue I am going to bring you four tips that will help keep the pounds from finding their way to your waist.

It's said that the average person gains between 2 and 6 pounds between now and January 1st. For some this can mean struggling for months just to get back to their pre-Holiday weight.

Our goal for you is to not put the pounds on in the first place. Sounds good, right?

Before we dive into the tips let's take a moment to set you up for success.

This may seem silly or trivial, but bear with me as this will likely be the catalyst for your success.

Close your eyes and picture yourself standing in front of your bathroom scale. The calendar on the wall says January 2nd 2007. The Holidays are over and you are now forced to reckon with reality. You step onto the scale and peer down at the reading. What does it say? Did the numbers go down? Did they stay the same? Are you up 5 pounds?

Scary thought, isn't it? The ominous first week of January beckons decorations to come down and the New Year's resolution of losing weight to be made out of desperation. But I have some powerful news for you.

You have a choice to make.

Right now you can decide what your scale will say on January 2nd 2007. Close your eyes again and picture yourself stepping onto that scale. Now decide what you want that number to be. Got a picture of it in your mind's eye? Good. This is your goal. Now read on for the tips that will see you through your goal.

Holiday Tip #1: Maximize the Burn

We all know that the month of December is a busy one. There are parties and dinners; shopping and decorating. You have cooking and cleaning to do before your guests arrive and gift wrapping to do after the kids are in bed. So where do your workouts fit in? You probably have a regular schedule for your workouts (if you don't then schedule your first appointment with me ASAP) and this schedule will likely be modified for the Holidays. And less exercise means more weight gain, especially when it is coupled with an increase in food consumption.

Does this mean you have to stick to your guns and never miss a workout? While that would be ideal, it just isn't practical. Instead of rearranging your Holiday schedule to revolve around your workouts focus on maximizing each workout that you do get in.

In other words, kick up your intensity when you do find the time to exercise.

A great way to do this is to do complex movements, such as a squat and press rather than a simple squat. Another way to burn more calories is to utilize your core throughout your workout. This can be done by challenging yourself with an unstable surface-use a stability ball for your crunches and try standing on one leg while performing bicep curls.

Holiday Tip #2: Don't Go Hungry

"I'm saving my appetite for the party tonight...." Have you ever uttered those words? The thought is tempting, right? You know that a Holiday party or dinner means an abundance of great food, and what better condition to arrive in than famished? The hungrier you are the more good food you will have room for.

This plan has two major problems.

First, when you go for hours without food your metabolism crashes. This means that when you do get around to eating-like when you arrive at the buffet-your body will be eager to store all the yummy calories as fat. Not good.

The second problem is the most obvious. The more food you eat at that Holiday party the more likely your scale will display a ridiculously high number on January 2nd. Again, not good.

Instead of saving your appetite for a big meal, maintain a healthy metabolism by eating small meals every few hours. Always eat a well balanced breakfast and never arrive at a party with a growling stomach.

Holiday Tip #3: Be Inefficient

I know, I know. You are constantly bombarded by information on how to be more efficient and here I go telling you to be inefficient. But hear me out.

Be inefficient in how you expend energy.

In other words, expend as much energy as you can on an activity even if this means doing things in a more challenging way. After all, the more energy you expend the more calories you burn.

Here are some ideas: Instead of rallying for the closest parking spot at the mall choose the farthest spot you can find. The extra walking burns calories. Always opt for the stairs instead of an elevator. If you have the option of sitting or standing, work your legs and stand. Have to sit at work? Try sitting on a stability ball-you will burn calories and work your core without having to think about it.

Be on the lookout for more fun ways to expend energy this Holiday season. Remember that the number on your scale will be the result of each individual calorie that you consume versus each individual calorie that you expend.

Holiday Tip #4: Watch Out for the Eggnog

Who doesn't love eggnog? It is sweet, spiced and oh so creamy-yum. However, did you know that 8oz of eggnog with rum contains 450 calories?

Numbers like that add up quickly-indulge in just 8 glasses and the number on your scale will creep up a digit.

Don't be fooled. Eggnog is not the only high-calorie beverage that threatens your waistline. Champagne, wine, hot cocoa, spiced cider and spirits are all filled with one deadly thing:

Empty calories.

Stay away from beverages that are high in empty calories. Instead drink as much water as you can and stick to limiting your high-calorie drinks.

Did you know that the solution to your fitness goal is right before your eyes? Contact me, your local fitness expert and get started on your own plan for fitness today. It's a great feeling seeing the pounds melt off week after week!

Something Is Better Than Nothing

Did you know that sitting in front of the T.V. only burns about 1 or 2 calories per minute? Get up! Do crunches through one commercial break and then jumping jacks through the next. Studies have shown that as little as 10-minutes of exercise each day can improve your health and contribute to weight loss. (Want more fun tips like this one? Hit the reply button and ask me for more!)

Asparagus Avocado Medley

This colorful salad is the perfect side to your Holiday meal. It is filled with crisp asparagus and creamy avocado and coated in a tantalizing dressing. Take this along to your next Holiday get together and expect rave reviews.
Yields 7 servings

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb fresh asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-1/2-inch pieces
  • 8 medium fresh mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 large ripe avocado, peeled and cubed
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 large tomato, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive or canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Instructions:

  1. Place asparagus and two tablespoons water in a microwave-safe dish. Cover and microwave on high for 3 - 6 minutes or until crisp-tender, stirring once; drain and cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the asparagus, mushrooms, avocado, zucchini, tomato and onion; toss gently.
  3. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the remaining ingredients; shake well. Pour over salad and toss gently to coat. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
     

Nutritional Analysis: One serving (1 cup) equals 122 calories, 9g fat, 11g carbohydrate, 4g protein.

 

 Leon Lavigne

Beverly Hills Fitness Group, Inc.

310-927-2162

 

 

 

Here is What Some Other Happy Clients are Saying...

I've been training with Leon for a short while and can't believe how good my body looks! He completely cured me of my immense neck pain with one hour of trigger point therapy and stretching. I prescribe a session with Leon for anybody looking to get fit! He's simply a blessing with his impressive experience, fail-proof exercise plans, and kind spirit! Dr Amy Nguyen

 

 

 

I'm working with Leon to lose weight, reduce my back pain, and to strengthen my foot which was severely injured years ago. Immediately after starting with Leon, I felt better and better! Six months later: My back has healed; my foot injury has strengthened, and I have gone down 3 sizes and I feel great! Leon is a doctor of the body and I am grateful to be working with him. Margo

 

 

 

I feel a thousand times better, and from what my friends, family and co-workers tell me constantly, I look fabulous. I hope to lose ten to twenty more pounds (lost 50 so far), and based on these results, I have no doubt I will reach that goal. Leon has given me tools for maintaining lifelong health and fitness, and that is truly a priceless gift. I am eternally grateful. Misha Reese