1. Don't restrict your clients.
This is not the time to start a major dietary restriction program. There is plenty of time to start that after the Holidays. Many people will find that their office and home are being filled with cookies and candies, which makes it hard to refrain from all those tasty snacks. If they want to 'give in' at the company or family party, let them enjoy themselves.
"…not stepping backwards could be considered progress for a lot of people… "
Studies show that eating unhealthy food in a mental state of joy and happiness has less of a negative effect on the body - as compared to eating the same bad food when you feel miserable. This is why eating ice cream after a fight with your spouse or loved one is worse for you. If your client is in a happy, joyous state…then eating some of the bad foods won't be as bad on the body. So let them enjoy and partake…it is the Holidays
2. Try a different routine or workout. If the goal is to maintain, or not lose too much during the Holidays, that's great… because a lot of people will find it harder to find time to exercise. So, give them something different to do. Let them know you are changing things up to keep it from being too mentally and physically challenging at this time. They will appreciate the change and you may find a whole different set of exercises that you can be incorporated into their workout routine.
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Adding fiber to your diet during the Holidays will help to counteract the constipating effects of extra sugar and flour if you are indulging in cookies and pies.
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3. Change the intensity of the workout. Just like it's OK to have a 'better bad choice' when it comes to a snack or a meal….it is basically the same when it comes to an easy, short workout. Getting them to do something physical is an accomplishment. In addition, stress is typically highest during the Holidays. We don't want to be contributing more stress to their life by adding a tough physical workout. The intensity of the workout can be changed by simply adjusting the rest periods between sets, using lighter weight, or decreasing the number of repetitions performed. The goal should be to at least get some physical activity on most days.
4. Add fiber to their diet. This is a great nutritional trick that can also be used outside of the Holidays. Fiber makes you feel full because it expands in the digestive system. This will help keep you from eating as much of Aunt Millie's cookies and pies. I am a big fan of ground-up flax seed, rather than psyllium. This is because a good percentage of my people have sensitivity to psyllium.
Let's not forget the primary benefit of fiber, which is to help keep everything moving inside the large intestine. Constipation is a huge problem for so many people. If you start adding a lot of extra sugar and refined flour from all the cookies and cakes available, you will begin to slow the elimination process. Fiber and Digestive Enzymes are also part of the "Seven Supplements We Should All be Taking."
5. Use a digestive enzyme. Let's face it, we consume more unhealthy foods over the Holidays than normal. Many of these foods irritate our digestive system. So, add a good digestive enzyme, like Digest Plus, to help breakdown the foods. This will help minimize any indigestion, bloating, gas and other digestive problems. There are only a few things worse than having that terrible bloating and gassy feeling after eating a bunch of unhealthy foods. The digestive enzymes will help minimize that by breaking down the food more efficiently so it can pass through your system much easier.
Give these suggestions a try. Keep in mind that maintaining your level of health and fitness during the Holidays can be a great goal for everyone. Don't feel pressured into always having to make progress each and every week. The name of the game is taking steps forward, but during the Holidays, not stepping backwards could be considered progress for a lot of people.
About Len Lopez
Dr. Len Lopez is a nutrition and fitness expert and author of "To Burn or Not to Burn, Fat is the Question." He is the host of "Action Steps for Health" and a frequent guest on radio and television. His approach to health and fitness is based on "TEE-times"…Time, Energy and Effort. If you want to learn more about 'questions' you should be asking to help your clients go to "online health quizzes" Or call his office at (972) 458-0099.
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