Five Ways to Lose Five Pounds Before New Years

Instead of joining the weight loss club of 2008 this New Years, why not get a head start and lose some weight before the New Years Resolution kicks in? While the holidays can be a challenging time to cut back on the calories, there are still a few ways to keep your metabolism in high gear and even lose a few pounds during the festivities. A few extra trips to the gym, some strategic food choices at the holiday buffet, and some simple goal-setting is all it takes to enjoy a 'fat-free' holiday season! Here are just five ways to lose five pounds before New Years:

1. Increase your workouts. This is a no-brainer, but putting it into action can be challenging. The great thing about working out harder during busy times is that exercise is actually a stress reliever. When you're feeling overwhelmed with your holiday to-do list, a few laps at the pool, a quick sprint session, or even some weight training can help take some pressure off from holiday activities and leave you in a super-jolly mood. Aim for at least 4-5 sessions per week for maximum effect.

2. Skip the whipped cream on dessert. Pumpkin pie from Thanksgiving, fruit cobblers at the Christmas table, and mugs of hot chocolate on those chilly winter nights bring you plenty of comfort and joy-but usually a few extra pounds as well. Real whipped cream is almost pure fat; just one tablespoon contains almost 6 grams of fat. The average dessert is topped with at least 2-3 heaping spoonfuls. Skip the topping, or choose a fat free version, and you'll be saving a considerable amount of excess fat from your day.

3. Do laps at the mall. Walking around the shopping mall, speed-walker style, is a great way to squeeze in a workout and finish off your holiday shopping in the process! If you really want to make this a workout, you'll have to sustain the activity for at least 10-15 minutes.

4. Make a meal out of salads. It's easy to skip your greens over the holidays, especially when that cookie and candy tray is within easy reach. Fill up on leafy greens and your own creative combinations of leftovers to make a complete meal. As long as the bulk of the salad is made with vegetables and low-fat dressing, you can easily fill up on some good-for-you foods while enjoying a variety of tastes.

5. Commit to eating at least three different types of fruit per day. Not only is real fruit full of essential vitamins and minerals, it also contains a lot of fiber. Apples, oranges, and pears are all in season and ripe for the picking! When you eat natural sugars on a regular basis, your craving for processed foods ands snacks quickly subsides. Aim for at least one fruit first thing in the morning, and space out the remainder throughout the day. It's an easy habit to start now, and can really help you lose weight in just a few weeks!

'Tis the season for eating, but that doesn't mean you have to gain weight. Make a commitment to a few basic principles of healthy eating and you'll be well on your way to losing five pounds before New Years arrives!