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Denise Austin's 5 Stay-Fit Holiday Tips

By: , DailySpark Blogger
12/8/2010 6:22 AM   :  20 comments   :  11,506 Views

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Editor's Note: We're thrilled to share a guest post from "America's favorite fitness expert," Denise Austin. She looks so great and has managed to stay fit for more than 50 years, so we asked her to share her secrets to surviving the holidays in a healthy way, and boy did she deliver! Read on to find out how Denise makes time for fitness—and get her favorite recipe for a guilt-free party!

My Healthy Holiday Tips by Denise Austin

It’s hard to believe how fast this year flew by—the holiday season is already upon us! As much as I love this time of year, it does make eating well and exercising a challenge. Temptation is everywhere, and we’re so busy with shopping, traveling, and merrymaking that our fitness can fall by the wayside. But don’t worry: You can still enjoy the holiday cheer without emerging 5 or 10 pounds heavier! With just a bit of preparation and discipline, staying healthy through the season is possible. Here are some of my best tips for sticking to your diet and fitness plan:
  • Plan meals ahead of time. To be sure you stay away from time-saving but fattening fast food meals, do some prep work on the weekends. For example, next time you make dinner, make double, and freeze half for a weeknight meal. I’ll also cut up lots of veggies or grill a bunch of chicken on Sunday, and then store everything in re-sealable containers. Then my family's lunches are all set for the week!

  • Squeeze in cardio. Have a lot of shopping to get done this weekend? Get there early and promise yourself that you'll walk a few brisk laps of the entire mall before you start shopping. (Then treat yourself to a healthy lunch out!)

  • Get a head start. If you know that your packed schedule will make it impossible to sneak away for a treadmill session, wake up an hour earlier and get your workout out of the way. You’ll feel good knowing it’s done—and the extra holiday treats that sneak into your diet won’t show up on your hips!

  • Bring a dish. We all love parties, but they’re usually filled with plenty of sugary and salty temptations! That’s why I always make sure to bring my own healthy dish, like my Lentil Tapenade, spread on crostini bread. This recipe is always a huge hit with my friends and family—and it’s low in calories and totally guilt-free! You’ll also please your hosts by bringing something delicious to add to their holiday spread.

  • Take time to relax. It’s important to remember that even though we have a page-long list of errands to run, it’s important to take out time for ourselves to de-stress. Even if it’s only one hour a week, set aside a block of time where you forget about the gift list and work deadlines and simply curl up with a good book or take a warm bubble bath. Believe me, a little relaxation will go a long way!
With just a little extra work, you can make sure that you stay fit and healthy through this happy season and start 2011 off on the right foot! For more of my motivational tips, healthy recipes, and easy exercises, visit DeniseAustin.com.

What's your #1 tip for staying on track during the holidays?

Photo Credit: Charles Bush


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Comments

  • ADELE97064
    20
    Great tips! - 12/16/2010   4:10:49 PM
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  • MIMIDOT
    19
    Thanks, denise. I used to enjoy excersing to you cd. Guess it's time to start back. I miss not excersing with you in the AM. I can't find your show, so figure you are no longer on TV. Too bad.
    - 12/12/2010   6:37:09 PM
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  • MFRUNNER
    18
    Parties...eat healthy before you go. That works for me. - 12/11/2010   12:06:23 PM
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  • MELISSAP1981
    17
    I try to get an extra half hour of cardio 2x a week if I know I'm going to a party. I also try to limit the alcohol and empty calories in soda and hot chocolate ect. - 12/10/2010   8:21:36 PM
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  • SUMMERSMILES1
    16
    Thanks, I needed to read this. - 12/9/2010   9:49:35 PM
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  • LESLIE56
    15
    I really Eat everything at Christmas, but try not to overeat. I don't hang around the buffet table, and try to keep exercise up...not that easy, at Christmas. - 12/9/2010   4:37:50 PM
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  • LITTLEGIRLSMOM1
    14
    I do my best to to accommadate my family and friends if I am invited to a party or gettogether. If I feel that I am not comfortable eating the foods I will tell them I have got to do some more errands and leave. At least I have showed up to socialize for a short time. : ) - 12/9/2010   1:24:58 PM
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  • RAISETHEMOON
    13
    My biggest challenge this time of year, and all year really, is making sure that there is time for everything. It's hard with everything going on to make sure that there is time for exercize, and it does tend to be the first thing I don't do when I run out of time. I'm trying this year to remember to prioritize my health before my presentation. Workout before decorating, eat right before cleaning the house... it just has to be that way. - 12/9/2010   11:23:25 AM
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  • DOPKIGIRL
    12
    Moderation! Moderation! Moderation! :D - 12/9/2010   9:08:17 AM
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  • LISAPOLOOZA
    11
    Wow, she's over 50? To tell you the truth, I thought the pic had to be retouched. But, I have seen that some people just don't age and I believe a healthy lifestyle ensures that. I wish I could be so disciplined. That is why I'm here, to become healthy and to live healthy, so that I could look good at 50! My tip for staying on track over the holidays? Well, I'm not the picture of fitness so I can't really say. For me, I just try not to eat that much extra and to keep working out :) - 12/9/2010   9:07:11 AM
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  • LADYROSE49
    10
    Denise Austin is the "real deal !!!" - 12/8/2010   10:57:51 PM
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  • JIBBIE49
    9
    BARBARASCH, Denise Austin doesn't need PhotoShop. She will be 54 in February and she's 5'4" and 112# and the mother of two grown daughters. Denise was a Gymnasts at the U. of Arizona in college & ranked 9th in Balance Beam, so she is the "real deal." - 12/8/2010   10:29:00 PM
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  • WALKZWDOGZ
    8
    If you've seen her videos you'd know that lady doesn't need Photoshop! - 12/8/2010   8:52:36 PM
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  • TACDGB
    7
    what a really good article.... I am keeping up on my workouts during this holiday season. I even lost 3 pounds so far. - 12/8/2010   11:42:10 AM
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  • AOGOAE
    6
    Etiquette-wise DO NOT bring a dish to a party unless asked, or it's a pot-luck. It's very rude! Not only will your dish compete with the hosts, it might not go with her foods at all, and your host has to take the time to properly display the dish and provide the right serving utensils, plates, etc, that it requires.
    If your host is a good friend, you can explain that you are trying to eat healthy and see if they can accomodate you- either by making some healthy adjustments to the menu, telling you if healthy items are already on the menu, or allowing you to bring your own dishes. Just don't be THAT guy- you know the one- who is so picky and annoying to everyone else. Trust me, it isn't necessary. - 12/8/2010   11:31:31 AM
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  • PAMROPER
    5
    Great blog and tips. Will try the lentil tapenade. I like the photo of Denise Austin and think she has an inner beauty that shines through (as well as the outer beauty)! :) Happy Holidays all. - 12/8/2010   10:43:32 AM
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  • DAWNDMOORE40
    4
    I always do my workouts first thing in the morning to get them out of the way. I religiously work out 6-7 times a week. Even if I have a cold, I do a little bit of a workout and believe it or not, it will help you to not feel so sick and it will help your immune system. I don't have any parties to go to, but if I did this year, I would try and just exercise before I go, and then eat reasonable portions. I have done that for the last 9 months including when we went to Jamaica for our honeymoon, and I exercised on the treadmill every day while I was there. When I arrived back home, I had only gained a couple pounds which really was from water weight because within a week, the pounds were off. Also, I continue to log on SP exactly what I eat and drink. The Nutrition Tracker has been a huge asset for me in changing the way I stay healthy. - 12/8/2010   8:38:42 AM
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  • LAKETACOLE
    3
    Thanks for the advice I will try and incorporate - 12/8/2010   7:40:53 AM
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  • REJ7777
    2
    When I go to a holiday get-together, I enjoy myself, and eat reasonable portions of whatever I want. I get back on track immediately the next day. - 12/8/2010   6:49:31 AM
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  • BARBARASCH
    1
    oh please, can't at least SP stay away from showing pictures that have been worked upon with Photoshop? - 12/8/2010   6:48:50 AM
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