The holiday season and Thanksgiving Day are almost here, and the first thing I think about is food and the second thing I think about is weight gain. 

Even with all the world’s craziness, I will be celebrating with my family and making our favorite family recipes. This typically means over-eating, too much sugar, and way too much alcohol. 

The worst thing about the holiday season is waking up on New Year’s Day with a holiday hangover and feeling depressed because you’ve gained 10 pounds in 8 weeks. 

This has happened to me more than once, but I have cracked the holiday weight gain code.

So I’m about to share with you my go-to weight loss tips and my stay healthy for the holiday plan that I’m personally following to stay fit, trim, and gorgeous during this holiday season.

Weight Loss Tip #1: When trying to lose weight, be smart about your goals. We all want to lose every last pound that is making us overweight, but sometimes that becomes impossible. Consult an expert to determine how much you should lose, and remember, weight loss is gradual, just like weight gain.

Weight Loss Tip #2: Something smells fishy. Replace the meat you are already eating with fish. Not only is fish low in calories and fat, but it also contains the now-famous Omega-3 fatty acids that your body needs to build and repair cells. Most experts recommend 3 servings of fish a week. I am also putting sushi on the holiday menu because it’s low-calorie and delicious, and my favorite restaurant delivers. 

Weight Loss Tip #3: Do it first thing in the morning. If I don’t work out, dance, or move my body in the morning, I will get too busy to do it later. I’ve learned this hard way. So start your day right by burning some calories with a fun workout. 

Weight Loss Tip #4: Calories are NOT like money – you don’t have to save them for a rainy day. If you keep track of your calories, it is best to spread them out over several meals rather than save them for one big meal. Remember, the key is to keep your metabolism working constantly, and not just in short bursts. Some of my friends do the one-day-a-meal thing, and it works for some, but it doesn’t work for me.

Weight Loss Tip #5: Reward yourself with a new shirt, skirt, pair of pants, or an entire outfit altogether every time you reach a certain weight goal. Heck, I rewarded myself when I stick to my food plan. Rewards can be great motivators for maintaining a weight-loss program. However, be careful not to reward yourself too often, or the rewards won’t mean much after a while.

Weight Loss Tip #6: Going cold turkey might not be the best approach to cutting out unhealthy foods. Rather than eliminating every type of unhealthy food from your diet, start with one item at a time. Get rid of the soft drinks first, for example, when you’re ready, cut out the fried foods—all in good time, my friends, all in good time.

Weight Loss Tip #7: Join us, join us. Most experts agree that diet alone is not enough to help you lose weight. Most people get 48% faster results when they’re part of a membership, or a group where they can get constant access to support, updated information, and motivational tips. Click here to join my Pelvic Wellness Community

Weight Loss Tip #8: Get down and dirty. Taking the time to clean or wash something around the house can burn as many as 4 calories a minute. So what’s keeping you? Get those rubber gloves on and go clean some toilets. I personally clean my house every day for 30 minutes. I love organization and cleanliness, and this is another way that I stay fit.

Weight Loss Tip #9: Eat and chew your food slowly. Yes, we only have 24 hours in a day to accomplish things that seem like they take 25 hours to complete. Still, make sure you enjoy the eating experience as well as the food. Eating slowly can actually work to tell your stomach that you are full, which will keep you from overeating. I timed my family meals for a whole week, and I was horrified to see how fast we were all eating. So this is huge- go slow! 

Weight Loss Tip #10:  Get her a doggie bag, yeah!!! Don’t feel like you have to eat everything on your plate. Ask your waiter to wrap up your leftovers and take them home with you. I always leave something for lunch the next day.  

Weight Loss Tip # 11: Cutting back on calories is a good way to lose weight, but remember to do so gradually, and in combination with an exercise program. If you suddenly and dramatically lower your caloric intake, your body will react by storing more of them in the form of fat. It’s your body’s way of making sure it doesn’t die! Check out my Fit Strong Balance  Pelvic Floor Safe Fitness Program by clicking here. Plus it’s on sale!

Weight Loss Tip #12: What’s up, doc? Most people think that they can stay healthy and lose weight by ordering a salad, either as their side or a meal. However, what they don’t account for are the calories found in the salad dressing. If you do not like low-fat dressing, then ask for it on the side. This way, you can control how much of the dressing you consume instead of just drenching your salad in it.

You can’t escape it. There is a low-fat or low calories alternative for just about everything. Salad dressings, yogurt, sour cream, milk, cheese, and even popcorn exist in alternate (and healthier) forms. Make the right choice.

Weight Loss Tip #13: Don’t eat white after Labor Day. Eliminate white foods like sugar and flour from your diet. Replace regular white bread with wheat-free gluten-free bread, and substitute traditional pasta for corn or brown rice pasta. They really don’t taste so bad. I had to cut down on the chocolate- that’s my weakness. I am now substituting with cacao powder.

Weight Loss Tip #14: Cleanse yourself. A colon cleansing can help clean out your digestive system, which can often become clogged in overweight or over-indulging people. I like colon hydrotherapy that uses the gravity method. I also take digestive enzymes with every meal, and they help me stay regular and not feel so bloated. I will be doing at least 3 hydrocolon sessions to keep myself in tip-top shape.

Weight Loss Tip #15: Develop a plan. Just saying you are going to eat healthily is not enough. You have to have a plan. Determine how much weight is best for your body, keep track of how many calories you consume each day to know how many you have to cut back on. You cannot set out on the road to better health without a road map. I also track what I eat and how my body responds to it.

Weight Loss Tip #16: This is next year! Don’t wait until tomorrow to start your exercise and healthy eating program. For many people, getting started is the most difficult part of losing weight. Resolve to change your lifestyle now rather than later. Don’t wait for January 1 to make your health and wellness a priority. 

Weight Loss Tip #17: Don’t eat your feelings. Stay away from food if you’re feeling angry, sad, or bored. Even better than that can be to identify what emotions and feelings can trigger your eating habits and replace them with more healthy activities. Emotional eating during the holidays can be tricky- stay mindful and aware!

Weight Loss Tip #18: Don’t create a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you set out on a weight loss program, be confident that you can reach your goals. If you are constantly telling yourself that you are not going to make it or fail, you are setting yourself up to do just that. Remember that our thoughts become our realities. 

Weight Loss Tip #19: Try to eat before you go shopping for food. Shopping on a full stomach will help you stick to your grocery list, and help you avoid buying unhealthy snacks and “goodies. I’ve had my worst relapses when I shop when I am hungry- so don’t do that!  

Weight Loss Tip #20: Reducing fat does not mean you have to reduce flavor. A little garlic, shallots, onions, and pepper can provide great flavor for low-fat foods. In addition, turmeric, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla can enhance the flavor of foods cooked with less sugar. I personally use great olive oils to spice up my foods as well.

Please email me back and let me know which tip you’re going to implement and when. It is never too early to start being healthy!  Now more than ever, we need to be healthy, but we must also have community and love.