Treat yourself this holiday without adding extra pounds

The holidays are a magical, joyous time that can also be incredibly stressful. And many of us find ourselves unconsciously soothing that undue stress by generous and often mindless indulgence in less-than-healthy food choices.

1. The number one thing that you can do to relieve stress and improve your overall mood is to give your endorphins a little holiday cheer. If you have already been exercising, make sure that you make the time to continue giving yourself the gift of great health during the holidays. If you have not been exercising, see tip number

2. Don’t wait until January to start your exercise resolution. The gyms and exercise classes are packed after the first of the year with those whose resolve is likely not to last until Valentine’s Day. It can be overcrowded and busy and you might end up feeling as if you are just another face in an endless sea of sweat.Get started NOW on your new fitness routine and you will feel well-established and comfortable with your exercise schedule when the crowds start to bust through the door in January, making it much less likely that you will end up feeling frustrated and uninspired.

3. If you are going to a holiday event that you know is bound to be bountiful with temptations, make sure you EAT before you go. You might want to load up on a huge salad with all your favorite add-ins and fat-free dressing before you step out the door. It is surprisingly easy to turn down holiday treats when you have no room to put them.

4. Don’t bring fried and/or fattening treats if you are asked to bring food to a party. Carrot sticks and celery are boring- how about a platter of dried fruit artfully arranged into an eye-pleasing floral design? That way, no matter what everyone else brings, you will know that there will be a sweet, guiltless treat there for you to munch on.

5. Con your holiday cravings by making sure that you do indulge them in healthier alternatives, if need be. There is no joy in deprivation and you might find that you are more likely to throw in the towel if you are constantly denying yourself.

Do you have a sweet tooth? Hit the frozen yogurt store and give yourself a fat-free treat. How about a steaming cup of hot chocolate made with non-fat milk and sweetened with sugar-free caramel? Top it with a few tablespoons of Cool-Whip® Free for a soothing, guilt-free confection. Or try making some 98% fat-free popcorn and then sprinkling it with Splenda® brown sugar for a very low-fat, filling mock-kettle corn holiday delight.

To all my friends at the COSMED and to all their patients, I send my sincere wishes for a happy, healthy holiday season.

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About the Author

Michelle Pearl “Before” and Michelle Pearl Today

Michelle Pearl, is an actual patient of COSMED Plastic Surgery Center in Mexico who had a thigh lift and reconstructive surgery with Dr. Quiroz  after her weight loss. She is also a CPT, GFI, LWMC  fitness expert, entrepreneur, former award-winning newspaper columnist and the author of Wake Up, You Are Probably Never Going to Look Like That; How to be Happier, Healthier and Imperfectly Fit. For more information visit: www.ImperfectFitness.com or visit her blog at www.FedUpFemale.com