This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sam‘s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.
With the holidays upon us, I’m excited about spending time with family we don’t see very often, but I’m also a little nervous as usual about the potential for holiday weight gain!
I don’t have the best track record when it comes to keeping off the pounds around the holidays. I think I average 7 lbs between Thanksgiving and Christmas and depend on getting back to my regularly planned diet & exercise schedule in January.
So many sweets, so many savory dishes, so much time spent indoors cuddling under blankets….oh man, I am really sweating it this year! Mostly because I injured my ankle in May and haven’t been able to do much high impact cardio since then. And my waistline is showing it. :/
For some reason I get to the holidays and throw all my good eating and exercise habits out the window. Even though I know better! Am I the only one who does this? I can’t possibly be!
As a reminder to myself and everyone who visits my blog for fitness tips, I am putting together a cheat sheet of healthy habits to maintain throughout the holidays. I hope you’ll join me in my quest to keep the lbs at bay!
Tips for Having a Healthy Holiday
I’m all for keeping weight maintenance simple. The holidays aren’t when I try to actively lose weight – I’ll be happy if I can maintain. So that’s what this plan is for – doing a few good things for yourself to stay on track:
- Drink tons of water! Try this water tracker printable I created to help you with that. If you’re properly hydrated, you’re less likely to overeat. I aim for an 8-cup minimum each day, but drink up to 14 if it’s an exercise day.
- Pile your plate full of veggies – And not the butter-drenched kind. 🙂 The key to making it through the holidays without skipping all your fave comfort foods is to limit the quantity of the unhealthy stuff and fill up on the healthy items. Fix at least two side healthy side dishes and makes sure those represent at least 1/3 (ideally ½) of your plate at dinnertime.
- Remember to exercise – I rarely overeat on days I work out. Exercising gives you energy and also helps you think more clearly. Plus, the thought of ruining a perfectly good workout with unhealthy food never seems like a great idea to me. Go walking before or after dinner or even strike up a friendly game of flag football with family. Anything to get up and out of the house works!
Sam’s Club Organic Foods at Affordable Prices
Sam’s Club was kind enough to sponsor this healthy living post. I heard they have a great selection of organic items, but I hadn’t been there in a while. When I went there the other day, I was blown away by the selection they have now!
I already knew they had great prices, but I didn’t realize just how many organic items they have. It’s the perfect place to shop for your holiday dinners if you’re sticking to a budget like me but still want quality meat & produce for your family dinner.
In fact, a celebrity chef is helping Sam’s Club spread the message that a fabulous holiday party doesn’t have to be expensive OR unhealthy!
Check out Chef Robert Irvine, host of Food Network’s Restaurant: Impossible Ambush as he ambushes an unsuspecting Sam’s Club member to help solve problems party plan like a pro. We know the holidays mean lots of eating, but Robert shows us how eating healthy can be simple, delicious, and affordable.
5 Healthy Holiday Side Dishes
To inspire your healthy holiday meals, I rounded up five lovely healthy side dishes. Dishes that all have flavor, yet pack in the nutrition.
I think you’ll find something for everyone on this list!
Very Veggie Pasta Salad ~ Becky’s Best Bites
Apple & Endive Salad ~ The Worktop
Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash ~ Savory Experiments
Lemon Balsamic Asparagus ~ Living Sweet Moments
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Goat Cheese ~ The Foodie and the Fix
“Party Like a Pro” – Holiday Party Planning Sweepstakes
Now through December 31, 2015, Sam’s Club is running a Holiday Party Planning Sweepstakes where they will award a $500 gift card and one year Plus membership to one lucky individual.
Twenty others will receive a variety of prizes such as a year of Prime membership (valued at $100), a Wolfgang Puck 10-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowl Set or a Kitchen Aid 3pc Chef Knife Set.
As you are going about your holiday planning, make sure to enter this sweepstakes at the Food Network/Sam’s Club party hub.
Sam’s Club Memberships
I used to be on the fence about a Sam’s Club membership, but not anymore. The selection of organic food at excellent prices is enough reason for me to join.
If you want to join a Sam’s Club near you, you can do so in store or online. Right now, you can receive a membership special by providing your email on the FoodNetwork.com/party portal under the “Promo Offer” tab.
There are several levels of membership depending on your needs, ranging from $45 to $100 a year. A Sam’s Club membership comes with many benefits in addition to access to quality food and products at great values. Depending on your membership level, you can get cash rewards, instant savings, club pickup and even add-on memberships.
Make sure to visit http://www.FoodNetwork.com/party, as a one-stop source for great tips, recipes and behind the-scenes videos with Sam’s Club members.
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., 21 years or older. Ends 12/31/15. To enter and for complete details and odds, visitwww.foodnetwork.com/party.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Sam’s Club. The opinions and text are all mine.
