tips4you

Xmas is coming, and there is nothing you can do
 The Turkey. Stuffing. Pies.

The parties. The mindless munching at the office. The over-stuffing at social gatherings. And all of those Christmas-themed cookies, chocolates and other caloric-laden goodies your "friends" make. And once you’re done downing the calories, then you will tackle taking care of yourself and lose the unwanted pounds.

Forget the  New Year’s resolution.
You know This time of year is often an obstacle of horrors for people who want to be in shape, stay in shape, lose weight or simply not gain any weight. And all too often because of crowded schedules and plates, the battle against the waistline is delayed until the party is over.

So rather than wait until Dec. 26 or Jan. 2, now can be the ideal time to begin the process.

A handful of experts, including Lyons and Jim Benson, who owns Energy Fitness in Fort Worth, compiled a laundry list of realistic tips as you head into the holidays.

1. Don’t wait. "It’s the, 'Oh, I’m going to start on Monday syndrome,’ " Lyons said. "What is magical about Monday? The intention may be great, but by waiting that long, it’s going to be that much harder."

We all know, or maybe are, the person who waits until Jan. 1 to begin to work out. "It’s the ones who make the decision to get ahead of the game who are successful for the rest of the year," Benson said. "If they jump in in November or December, the chances of seeing them [in the gym] in the summer are really high."

2. Think about the food. Holiday anything often leads to mindless eating, even if you’re not hungry. "Think, before you grab the doughnut that’s been sitting out for two days, 'Is it worth it?’ " Lyons said. "Sometimes the food you just eat isn’t even that good."

3. Ask yourself, "Why do I want this?" Trainers say you have to find the reason you want to lose the weight. Vanity, health, look better on the beach, energy or confidence, whatever the reason, just be honest. "I had one friend who was more excited about going to buy the workout clothes than actually working out," said Ashley Wilkins, a TCU student and a personal trainer. "But it got her to the gym. So that’s fine, whatever the reason."

4. Befriend water. You’ve likely heard it a million times, but drinking water is vital. Vital for the body. Vital to fill a stomach. "Before you go to a social event, drink a lot of water; water gives you the sensation of being full," Benson said. "Get a container you’re comfortable with — a bottle or a glass — and keep it with you. Set a goal every day and say: 'I’m going to drink one of these before lunch. Or another before 3 p.m. And another before I go home.’ We still hold to eight 8-ounce glasses a day.