Try these Fun Family Activities to Curb Holiday Weight Gain

It's holiday time. Whew! Who has time to work out? You do! Especially since this is the time of year that people pack an extra 5 to 10 pounds on their body. Don’t be the turkey in your family this holiday season. Do these fun activities to stay healthy and lean.

Week 1:

• Everyday this week, add fruit and veggies in addition to your meal. 

Together as a family, discuss what you ate that day. If someone in your family did not eat their fruits and veggies with each meal, they become the TURKEY! The turkey must add 10 push ups and 10 jumping jacks onto their exercise routine that day. The exercise routine is 25 jumping jacks and 10 push ups everyday for week 1.

Week 2:

• Try to cut out one unhealthy food each day.

Talk about it together as a family at the end of each day. Motivate each other to try to eat healthier and cut out 1 unhealthy food a day. If you did not, you are the TURKEY for the day! The turkey must do an extra chore around the house.

Week 3:

• Everyday this week, do 50 ab crunches and 25 sit to stands on a chair. 

If you fail to do these exercises at the end of each day, you are the TURKEY! That person is assigned additional exercises to do by the other family members. Examples: Lunges, push-ups, jumping jacks. 

Week 4:

• This week GOBBLE WOBBLE JIGGLE WIGGLE to your favorite tunes. 

Crank on the radio and pick 1 song. Dance and move and groove to this song. Do not stop moving until the song is over. If someone stops, they are the TURKEY! Jump up and down and act like a silly turkey for 2 minutes. Don’t forget to say, “Gobble Gobble!”

Another tip: Fill your holiday home with healthy spices like cinnamon and healthy apple cider. Cinnamon can help lower blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk factors. Apple cider is high in potassium and can improve digestion and lower blood cholesterol. 

Have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving holiday. Don’t stuff yourself at your Thanksgiving meal — only feel satisfied. Eat in moderation and enjoy your family and friends!

Alison Cardoza B.S.,  Exercise Science and Sports Medicine, is an ACSM Certified Personal Trainer and Fitour Group Exercise Instructor at Baptist East Milestone Wellness Center.