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• Exercise during pregnancy keeps both you and baby in good health

Now that Halloween is over and we're trying to muster up enough willpower to stay away from our kid's candy bag (I know I am), what are we supposed to do when the biggest food fest (that would be Christmas) comes to town?

Instead of ignoring the holiday and pretending we'll take care of it when it comes, why not try to set up a plan of action?

The holidays must be the most challenging times for people, especially pregnant women and new moms when it comes to thinking about healthy habits and putting them into action. This is a large reason why all the gyms are filled with people making New Year's resolutions to get rid of the extra holiday weight. And if you're a new mom who is also trying to rid herself of baby weight, you've got an additional challenge on your hands. But if you have a plan, just like you plan your days when you're at home with a new baby, you may be surprised you can enjoy the holidays and lose weight. Yes, it's true.

Here are a few suggestions on ways you can keep on track of what goes in your mouth.

*If you're going out for a cocktail party, eat a healthy meal before you go. Don't go hungry. This way you will be less likely to stuff yourself full of fatty, sugary appetizers.

*At dinner, don't deny yourself. Have a little bit of everything so you are able to satisfy yourself. If you don't, you'll just end up going back later for a 'taste' and it's usually more than just a nibble.

*Watch portion sizes. Half your plate should be vegetables, with a quarter protein (meat, fish, legumes) and the other quarter, starches (rice, potatoes, pasta).

Eat slowly. Did you know it takes 20 minutes before your body realizes it is full? If you really take the time to chew and enjoy your food and sip something in between, you will be surprised that you may not be able to finish what's on your plate.

After meals, strap that baby on your chest or in the stroller and go for a power walk. Do this before all the blood rushes to your stomach and sleep sets in. On the other hand, try getting in a strength training workout using your baby as resistance before a meal.

Here are a few exercises:

*Hold your baby while you perform squats and lunges.

*Lift your baby up and perform shoulder presses.

*Do push-ups over your baby and give him/her a kiss. (Otherwise known as baby kisses).

*Lie flat on your back and place baby on your shins and do reverse crunches.

Increasing your muscle mass actually allows you to burn more calories at rest - just what you need when you're sitting on the couch after a turkey dinner. And if you find you don't have the time to do a full exercise routine all at once, try splitting it up into three or four 10-minute sessions throughout the day. These short bursts of cardio and strength training will also enable you to get your metabolism moving and leave you feeling refreshed and good about yourself over the holiday season.

 

Samantha Montpetit-Huynh is the mother of two living in the Beach/Danforth area. She is a certified personal trainer and holds certifications in pre and postnatal fitness, nutrition and wellness and resist-a-ball. Samantha offers in-home private and semi-private training and gives workshops on the subject. You can reach her at www.coreexpectations.com or by calling 647-897-5220.