Monday, November 15, 2010

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and The Laughing Cow.

The kind folks at Laughing Cow and BlogHer have posed this great question for this month's entry: How do you stay fit as the seasons change and all of the holiday temptations begin?

It's hard isn't it?  Grandma brings her Very Special Cookies that she made from scratch just for you.  Your company has a holiday party that hosts all you can eat gingerbread houses.  Your family ingests way too much on Thanksgiving Day.  Whatever your traditions usually entail, staying on course can be difficult.

For my family, Thanksgiving Day starts early in the morning and ends when the last person succumbs to sleep on the couch.  The typical Thanksgiving Day starts with before breakfast treats, then a big breakfast, after breakfast treats, pre-lunch snacks, lunch, pre-turkey teasers, the Thanksgiving meal, and finally dessert.  We're not just full for the dinner meal, we're full all day.

Me, my older sister, and my mom after the Turkey Trot, 2009
Last year, I decided that rather than trying to change that tradition, I'd start a new one.  I had recently gotten into racing and decided that our city's 5K "Turkey Trot" would be a great way to get up and go first thing on Thanksgiving morning.  I even lured my older sister and mom to walk the 2K.

Because I wanted to get my best racing time, I ran the 5K each of the days before the race.  This kept me busy AND not indulging in the fattening foods - no one feels good racing on a tummy full of macaroons.

When Thanksgiving Day came, I woke up early (a reason to not imbibe too much the night before) and ran my fastest 5K yet.  I finished the race being cheered on by my mom and older sister.  After that was over, I felt too good to re-fuel my body with junk.  I ate until I was satisfied and didn't stuff myself.

No matter what your traditions are, there's probably ways to work some exercise into the schedule.  Maybe it's a foot race on your lawn.  Maybe it's an impromptu game of football.  Or maybe it's a walk around the block in between dinner and dessert.

Whatever the case, I've found that getting a new activity that many people in the family can enjoy is a great way to keep fit and get a head start on those New Year Resolutions we're all so fond of breaking.

Now it's your turn - share tip on how you stay fit amid the holiday traditions and treats and you could win a $150 Visa card!

Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry.  You should also Visit The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub to read helpful content each day and for weekly chances to win $100 at the “Play For Laughs” game. If you share something really great, we may even use it in The Daily Dose!

Click here for the full rules.

Want more chances to win? Visit the The Daily Dose of Well-Being hub and comment on the other funny bloggers and their motivation tips.

WINNER HAS BEEN RANDOMLY SELECTED AND NOTIFIED.

52 comments:

  1. This holiday season I'm keeping a food diary to track calories consumed so I don't go out of control.

    mami2jcn at gmail dot com

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  2. This season, I am going to look at holiday shopping as a form of exercise. Plus, carrying some healthy snacks helps to avoid binging on the holiday goodies whose smell wafts through the store.

    Finally, I have an allotted number of calories per day, and a modified workout plan by which I can easily adhere whether at home or away.

    Polar's Mom
    polarspage@gmail.com

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  3. I'm all about our "Huffing for Stuffing" a 5K race on Thanksgiving morning. I'm going to try to stick to 3 meals instead of munching all day. It will be hard on days like Thanksgiving where food is everywhere, but also days I'm running around doing errands. Then I'll avoid just binging at night.

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  4. This will actually be my FIRST Thanksgiving since starting my weight loss journey.
    I have a plan though :)
    I am lucky enough that I invested in a treadmill, it's in my living room and I have NO EXCUSE not to get on it Thanksgiving day!
    I am going to eat SLOW and get very small portions.
    Also, maybe most important, is to leave the leftovers at Mom's house. I'm not sure how that will go over with the rest of my family, but it's my plan! With no leftovers, I won't be up at midnight eating a turkey sandwich this year!!!
    emailtinam@yahoo.com

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  5. I am going to stay healthy this holiday season by walking my dog several times a day, practicing yoga, weight training, and eating mini meals, so I can have treats ( and one holiday starbucks drink ):)
    email:Runnner1000@gmail.com

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  6. I also started the 5k tradition last year. This year I'm hosting Thanksgiving & thanks to mi madre's help, I'll still get to run. I mainly need to have a clean house & make some mashed potatoes later in the day. Last year we used the leftover turkey to make enchiladas the day after, which were the best I've had to date. Not to shabby when it comes to calories either. Trying to make it about family & connecting, rather than eating helps, but I definetly agree that if you can start your day off with some exercise, it sets the tone for being mindful. Good luck to everyone this holiday season!!

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  7. I walk daily around the track and stop eating after 8 pm and never large meals
    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  8. tweeted
    http://twitter.com/ChelleB36/status/5149407100018690

    tbarrettno1 at gmail dot com

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  9. Avoid all those yummy dips at the holiday parties. The sour cream, mayo, and cream cheese really add up!
    Too bad they're my favorite!

    tooterpies at hotmail.com

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  10. I make better food choices when I keep track of everything I eat in my food journal (actually an app on my phone). And hey, it IS the holidays...indulge just a little bit. :)

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  11. I keep on my exercise routine. I don't do a lot of baking to keep temptation out of the house. When I go to parties I try to fill up on proteins, vegetables and fruits and just sample the sweets. I also drink a lot of water.

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  12. http://twitter.com/susan1215/status/6002581121802240

    s2s2 at comcast dot net

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  13. Drink lots of water, cold water while I am eating anything. Helps to fill my up faster.

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  14. Tweeted here too

    http://twitter.com/gmissycat/status/6425270462451712

    gmissycat at yahoo dot com

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  15. I'M REALLY BAD WHEN IT COMES TO SPLURGING ON HOLIDAY TREATS BUT I HEARD IF YOU WALK FOR 10 MINUTES A DAY IT HELPS YOU STAY FIT & HEALTHY kytah00@yahoo.com

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  16. I ALSO TWEETED THIS GIVEAWAY! http://twitter.com/#!/kytah00/status/6470890187390976 THANKS! kytah00@yahoo.com

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  17. I love the holiday season (especially the food!). To make up for eating extra (sweets), I go to the mall and do a "stroller walk" with some friends!

    nickandhanan at hotmail dot com

    Thanks!

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  18. I tweeted! http://twitter.com/LilacCityMomma/statuses/6475377312530433

    nickandhanan at hotmail dot com

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  19. Turkey trot!! I'm doing this Thanksgiving morning this year too! Also, it helps to have healthy food if you can control what you're eat (i.e. you're cooking). I'll have a post on fitblogger.ca on Tuesday that's a round-up of healthy bloggers' thanksgiving recipe tweaks. Fun! I guess getting exercise is a great idea. Maybe go for more walks, schedule more exercise.

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  20. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/MiddleAgedJock/status/6477348786405376

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  21. Don't deprive yourself...just exercise a bit more, and drink lots more water.

    thanks so very very much for the giveaway

    libneas[at]aol[dot]com

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  22. I maintain a "two-thirds/one-third" rule with my dinner plate. One-third of the plate can hold the entree, whatever that happens to be. The remaining two-thirds of the plate are filled with vegetables and fruit. It's an easy way for me to eat a balanced diet, requiring no weighing or measuring.

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  23. Tweeted you!
    http://twitter.com/Ida_Sessions/status/6531991847575552

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  24. I think your idea for the exercise is great and I am going to try and get my family into the idea.
    marybug2@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/marybug2/status/6532736764350464
    marybug2 at yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. I'm running a 5k on Thanksgiving as well, and aiming for a PR!

    Nolan1009 @ gmail.com

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  27. I try to not deprive myself of anything, otherwise I will eventually cave and really overdue it!
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  28. tweeted: http://twitter.com/KerryBishop/status/6900118494126080
    nuthouse(at)centurytel(dot)net

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  29. I'll enjoy the holidays. And beef up the exercise later. And all that shopping is a form of exercise, right?
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

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  30. Tweeted: http://twitter.com/cjwallace43/status/6970439368704001
    cjwallace43 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  31. This is my first year really being on the "fitness wagon" during the holidays. The other years have all had me jumping ship at the very first "tra-la-la" and diving into a bowl of yummy home-made goodness. ;)

    This year I plan to actively practice portion control! I'm allowing myself "normal person" calories for the day. "Normal" being in the 2200 range, not the 5000+ range. Ahem.

    I also plan to incorporate a long family walk into the day. No turkey comas allowed.

    a.calm.crazy@googlemail.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I try to keep active as well throughout the season. My Jazzercise class always has contests around the Holidays to promote attendance! But I'm just focusing mainly on the running too... it makes you feel like you can have a small amount of something you shouldnt & its all going to be OK... small is better then none... no depriving! But MUST MUST MUST keep the cardio going!

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  33. One word - sensible. Of course, it isn't quite that easy, but I am focusing on being sensible.

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  34. I am starting a Fit Club to have all my friends join in with me!

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  35. Woo Hoo!
    I got my $150 visa card in the mail!!!! I won it a couple months back, and I got it on my birthday!!! Of all days :)
    I spent it this morning at Target for Black Friday :)
    I just wanted to come share that, and THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!! :)
    Oh yeah, and THANK YOU! :)

    ReplyDelete
  36. We started some new traditions this year. First, my mother-in-law tore some ligaments in her ankle (something I did three years ago), then, the dog ate the turkey! Oh, and my middle son tried to start the house on fire! We have the best holidays!

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  37. As I age I find that by embracing and ENJOYING the people and the tradions overall Im eating less obsessing less and being PRESENT more.

    the last one is so important to me.

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  38. I try to drink more juices before I start to eat. And next day - EXERCISing!
    natatheangel AT yahoo DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  39. When I go shopping, instead of trying to find the closest parking spot I intentionally park far away.

    It's a trade off for a little more exercise each time I go. And with Michigan winters I find I walk quickly!

    Thanks.

    won2xx at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  40. http://twitter.com/#!/won2x/status/10051037125672961

    Thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Easy to follow, genuine advice, Sleep, regular healthy eating, hydrate, and exercise. Those are the main keys to a healthy life.

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  42. http://twitter.com/sodahoney/status/10060769316052992

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  43. I have started taking my gym clothes to work and changing before I leave for the gym--it helps motivate me to go directly to my workout instead of stopping at home where I can be easily distracted and blow off my exercise. I have also started taking a 30 minute walk on the weekends--my worst eating time.

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  44. http://twitter.com/#!/fostertam/status/11063496540160000

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  45. I try to include a MUFA at everyone of my meals and walk for five minutes after eating.

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  46. My strategy for handling the holidays works pretty well for me. I know the days that there will be parties and family get togethers. I allow myself to indulge on those days, but on the remaining days, I am very strict with my intake....steering completely clear of sugar and most carbs.

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  47. My strategy is to stay healthy all year round and indulge around the holiday season. I like to work out and I tend to eat clean year round, so when the holidays roll around I don't feel bad about sampling the goody tray.

    pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  48. http://twitter.com/lpauld68/status/11500856214036481

    pauleyd68 (at) yahoo (dot) com

    ReplyDelete
  49. I start excercising more starting in october and then I eat healthy also, i bring a lot of my own foods to holiday dinners

    shopgurl101 at gmail dot com

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  50. tweet http://twitter.com/shopgurl/status/11625766236192768

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  51. I use the wii to dance with and stay fit and I'm not a big sweets eater so that's not really a problem. I just eat small portions of things I like so it works out pretty well.

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  52. Tweeted

    http://twitter.com/jillyrh/status/11658938076364800

    Thanks

    ReplyDelete