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Keeping<br />
it Off<br />
Photos courtesy of Getty Images<br />
With the holidays in full swing, managing your waist line may<br />
have you as frustrated as the lines you encounter while shopping<br />
for gifts. Beyond celebratory meals and seasonal snacks<br />
aplenty at work and home, the holidays notoriously leave little<br />
time for you to focus on managing your weight.<br />
However, by following these three tips, you can be on your way<br />
to keeping the weight off and head into the New Year a healthier<br />
you.<br />
Eat Smart. Though the temptations abound, be cautious about<br />
portion sizes. When possible use a smaller plate, which will<br />
prevent you from over-loading. Before heading out to a party,<br />
eat a quick bowl of soup or a salad. Low in calories, these preparty<br />
munchies will take the edge off your hunger and help you<br />
moderate your consumption. And speaking of consumption, be<br />
sure to limit alcoholic beverages, which can quickly multiply your<br />
caloric intake.<br />
Get Sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to eating more junk food, and<br />
it can negatively impact your metabolism, making it harder to<br />
properly process what you eat. A comfortable and supportive<br />
mattress and pillow can help you sleep soundly, awake refreshed<br />
and feel less stressed. Mattress Firm experts warn that older<br />
mattresses and pillows have absorbed sweat, dust mites and<br />
dander that can aggravate allergies and affect sleep. Replace<br />
your mattress every eight years and your pillows every two<br />
years for optimum health and support. Also, take a few moments<br />
to relax before bed each night, to allow your body time to<br />
adjust and settle in for the night.<br />
Family Features<br />
Stay Active. Though the demands on your time are many, seek<br />
out ways to keep your body moving, not only to keep muscles<br />
toned until you can resume your usual workout schedule, but<br />
also to help burn those extra calories. After dinner with the family,<br />
take a walk around the neighborhood or through a nearby<br />
park. Or, arrange a game of touch football or dodge ball and<br />
invite the whole family to play. If you find yourself with random<br />
blocks of time, say while the pies are in the oven, grab a few<br />
minutes to exercise inside with sit ups or leg lifts or even jogging<br />
in place.<br />
With a little bit of special attention to taking care of yourself<br />
through the holiday months, you can manage your weight and<br />
feel great about kicking off 2013 in great shape.<br />
www.mattressfirm.com<br />
30 FOCUS of SWFL 2013
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