Season's Eatings: Developing the Muscle in Your Willpower

Some of you may recall my stint with Accel Fitness' boot camp, and my determination to stick with it. 

Technically, I did, but my schedule and the times classes were offered began to argue with one another, and I was back off the wagon. While I picked up running again in spring and through summer, I knew it wasn't the only type of exercise I needed.

Most fitness experts agree it's not just a combination of diet and exercise that will get you on the path of weight loss, but also the type of exercise. Keeping ALL of your muscle groups engaged is a more effective way to exercise and lose weight while doing it.

As Accel has departed, I have joined up with the crew at Curves in Muskego, and have adapted a program to keep me challenged and to work toward results. 

In the meantime, Gail Levin, the owner and chief cheerleader for everyone working out there, passed along some great tips for the upcoming holidays, which generally derail everyone from their diet. Along with being healthier for your waistline, these tips also promote a better sense of well-being, as too much of the rich foods can make you feel sluggish physically and mentally.

"When you have 13 social events in December, that can add up to a LOT of calories," Levin said. "So what should you eat and drink at a holiday party?"

Believe it or not, she suggests that the healthiest options on the table are probably the most sought out.

"I find that many people tend to eat what they won't prepare - like fresh fruits and veggies. It breaks up the monotony of the saturated fats that stick to your arteries in the liverwurst and the salami and the cheese and the dips," she said. 

In addition, there is some truth that eating the good stuff makes people think they have a free pass to drinking the bad stuff, but there's alternatives there, too.

"The homemade Bailey's Irish Creme, egg nog, brandy and other dark alcohols can also add up. Better to stick to the 'clearer' chardonnay, rhine or pinot wines, and even vodka if you choose to drink. And please do so responsibly to ensure a truly healthy holiday," Levin said. 

If you're not sure what a hostess may have in store and you don't want to completely ruin your workout, bring the fruit tray with a lowfat yogurt dip, or a veggie tray with low-cal ranch as a 'safety net.' That way you can nosh your way through the evening without feeling deprived.