Thanks to all of the sugar and spice and food that is oh-so nice, you may be packing more than just presents for the family this holiday season. To help combat dreaded weight gain, Harley Pasternak, the celebrity trainer behind Jessica Simpson and Jennifer Hudson's incredibly toned bodies, has a few guidelines to keep you slim, trim, and festive during the season's soirees.
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"On a holiday you should celebrate and allow yourself a little bit of leeway," Pasternak tells Us Weekly.
However, that doesn't mean calories don't count (sadly). "Never go to a seasonal event with an empty stomach," he says.
Once you've arrived, head straight to the veggies. "Then load up on a lean protein like roasted turkey, ham, or a lean cut of brisket," Pasternak says. "The idea is that you fill up on that stuff so you don't go overboard with the potatoes and breads."
Couldn't resist the hot, buttered rolls? Don't worry. "For two meals a week, there are no rules," Pasternak says. Giving yourself permission to indulge twice weekly means you can celebrate guilt-free — but not go too overboard.
In between parties, remember to keep moving. Even if you can't make it to the gym, there are ways to stay active. Treat yourself to a new pair of sneakers to motivate taking the extra step (Try Pasternak's newest New Balance Minimus 00 Trainer), and invest in a fitness monitor like the Fitbit. Then squeeze in bits of exercise when you can. "It doesn't have to be elaborate. Park a few blocks away from a party's location. Or, when you're just lounging at home, do four sets of 25 lunges when you can," suggests Pasternak.
Of course, benders are bound to happen. When the next morning rolls around, reset with a healthy breakfast. "Become good friends with your blender. Smoothies are filling and quick to make and clean up," the Smartwater spokesman, who recently released his own Harley Pasternak Power Blender, says. "You can't undo what you did last night, but you can press reset and eat as clean as possible the next day."
