newjerseynewsroom.com

BY TARA ZIMLIKI, CPT, CSCS

COMMENTARY

According to the British Nutrition Foundation people gain between three and seven extra pounds over the between the holidays of Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. This may not sound like a large number but research demonstrates once gained, this excess winter weight in more cases then not tends to become to become permanent. But you can stop this winter weight gain and even lose weight by following efficient and effective tips below from fitness expert, Tara Zimliki, founder of Tara's Bootcamp in Branchburg, New Jersey.

1) Keep a food diary

Utilizing a food diary will not only prevent you from gaining weight over the holidays, it can help you lose weight too. By writing down your food intake you will be more accountable and will be more likely to focus on healthy eating. If you are more likely to be on your wireless device than found holding a pen why not use a free online food diary service such as www.fitday.com

2) Eliminate Workout Boredom

Tired of working out on the treadmill? Then get outdoors and use winter as a season to explore a few of the endless workout possibilities. Try snowboarding, snow tubing, skiing, cross country skiing, and ice-skating! Use winter as a time to get in better shape and enjoy the season. Make the snow part of your workout rather than hiding indoors!

3) Have some tea with me

Did you know? If you substitute your daily latte or hot chocolate for a cup of instant coffee or tea can save between 150 and 500 calories a day. Over the three-month winter period of pre and post holiday time, that’s a saving of up to 21,000 calories - equivalent to 6 pounds of body fat!

4) H20 is the Way to go

Having your centrally heated home at a higher temperature can lead to dehydration. Research shows that thirst is often confused with hunger so being dehydrated could actually cause you to eat more too. To avoid that happening drink at least eight to ten glasses of water a day.

5) Slim down with soup

According to a recent Penn University Study, “Eating a small bowl soup before your main meal can save up to 700 calories a week.” Subjects who ate soup before lunch consumed 100 fewer calories at that meal.

6) Get to bed, sleepy head

According to a Case Western Reserve University study women who sleep for five or fewer hours a night are 32 percent more likely to gain weight and 15 percent more likely to become obese than women who sleep for seven or more hours. It is believed that lack of sleep may slow metabolism or decrease the calories burned by spontaneous activities such as fidgeting. What better reason could there be to get some extra shut eye this winter?

Tara Zimliki is a Certified Personal Trainer, founder of Tara’s Boot Camp in Branchburg and local mom of three. She has competed and trained with top athletes at the University of South Carolina where she was awarded a full cross-country scholarship. Tara specializes in fat loss and nutrition. She is passionate about helping people change both body and mind, believing positive weight loss results stem from positive attitudes. She has successfully helped hundreds of clients in losing weight and changing their lives. Tara has completed 18 Marathons & hundreds of races worldwide. In addition, she has won many 5Ks and placed top in many long distance runs. In 2008, Tara placed in the top 500 women for the NYC Marathon and in 2010 placed in the top 5% for women. She has also been featured on FOX television, NJ Monthly and most recently in Prevention’s 2011 book, The List Maker’s Guide. Tara’s practices what she preaches in all aspects of fitness and health and for this reason she is a trusted trainer that produces results. For more information go to www.tarasbootcamp.com