So how did you and your family do this Thanksgiving? Were you able to eat a moderate amount and go to the gym to work off that extra piece of pie? Sometimes the amount of food is so overwhelming that we are either totally stuffed or somewhat repelled. In any case, this is just the beginning of another four to five weeks of more, more, and more!
This is a great time to remind members that the gym is their oasis during some very hectic days. It is the one place they can go to and feel good about what they are doing for themselves during the holidays. They won’t be confronted by too much food, and they will be able to enjoy working out with their fellow exercisers, who are trying to accomplish the same goals.
This week, a member asked about my new wight loss program because she felt she needed additional support during the December holiday season. I am so glad she viewed it as a preventative strategy rather than waiting until after the holidays to use it as a remedy! It is really great to be able to offer a program that helps people manage their eating under any circumstances.
My suggestion is to market your weight loss program to help your members navigate through the holidays, not just afterward. Is it really just a weight loss program, or can it be offered as a weight management system? It is not that hard to make that distinction for those members who need that kind of help.
Every club should have some suggestions posted for members on how to handle the food at parties. For example, make up a flier suggesting they try these easy ideas:
• Eat a small healthy snack before you go to a party. Never go hungry or you may be tempted to eat more than usual.
• Fill up on healthy fare first. Eat as many fresh fruits and vegetables without sauces and dips as are available before you try anything calorie-dense.
• Enjoy smaller portions of high calorie foods. Just a taste may be all you need to be satisfied.
• Don’t drink your calories! Most alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages are high in calories and low in nutrients.
• Move away from the buffet! Take a plate and find a place across the room so you are not tempted to take extra servings.
• Spend time visiting with friends and family. Feel good about connecting with them and even include a fun activity like a group walk after a meal.
Assure your members that they can enjoy their holiday meals without sacrificing their waistlines and all the good work they do in your gym.
Judith Samuels, M.A. is a certified nutrition and wellness consultant and master personal trainer at Sport&Health Clubs in the Washington D.C. Metro Area. She can be reached via e-mail at judi@judisamuels.com.
