Dr. Rathburn's Blog

Holidays are right around the corner.  Most of us will gain weight if we aren't careful!  Here are the 5 most common strategies I have to employ mentally to keep the extra fat pounds from accumulating during the festivities.

1. Don't give into "C'mon, It's the Holidays!" - I've heard that one before when I've politely declined the chocolate cake or bourbon laced egg nog.  I have to remind myself that comment is from weak-minded people who use that phrase to excuse their lack of discipline.

2.  Don't give into "C'mon, You Deserve It!" - This one is correct!  You do deserve it WHEN you have exercised, dieted, and treated yourself properly to a newer healthier you.  Not before and NOT just because someone said you deserve it.  Also, if you wish to reward yourself for sticking to your healthier lifestyle find healthier ways to do it, not by consuming bourbon laced egg nog or chocolate cake.  Maybe take a day off to go play on a playground with your grandkids, or even your spouse/significant other (playing like you are kids again is sorta sexy, so go swing and climb on the jungle bars and slide down the slide - consider it preparation for more aerobic exercising!)

3.  Don't give into "C'mon, You Can Burn It Off Tomorrow!" - Well, to tell you the truth, that one is correct also:  You can burn it off tomorrow, but in deviating from our healthy diet you are adding an extra 500-1000 calories (more or less, sometimes WAY more) that would require 30-90 extra minutes working out.  This one has procrastination written all over it!

4.  Don't give into "C'mon, It Tastes SOOO Good......" - well, it's also pretty good to get compliments from your friends and strangers when you finish a marathon or triathlon and you've done a huge amount of work to prepare for it.  Or that nice hunky guy comes over to compliment your figure when you put on your bathing suit early in the springtime.  That kind of lasting satisfaction is priceless!  Or when your doctor's visit and lab work come back normal for a 30 year old man in good shape (and your age is 50).  Yeah, I can pass on the chocolate cake...........

5.  Don't give into "C'mon, You Already Look Amazing!" - No kidding?  How in the world do you think THAT happened??  You should have already gone through that transformation in order for someone to have said that to you and the transformation was more of a test of mind and spirit than actual physical body. 

In my experience, healthier people create the healthier lifestyle in their mind first before it ever shows up in the body.  When someone looks and feels healthy, you can count on them having a healthy lifestyle.  It shows up in every aspect of their life.  So when someone tries to derail you from a healthier lifestyle, remember to keep your discipline and just say no!  It can be very, very gratifying!

I trust my insights will come as a healthy source of accountability over the holidays preventing you from getting side-tracked from a healthier lifestyle.  Let me know which section above you really got the most from.  Feel free to share any more reasons you think people probably gain weight over the holidays too....