It’s that time of year again - the holidays seem to have an annoying habit of adding unwanted pockets of fat on people with even the most flattering figures.

So what is hot this year? Apparently a special procedure known as a super-wet liposuction. OK, we don’t like the name either (it makes it sound as gross as it actually is), so we’ll call it by it’s real name - tumescent liposuction.

Here’s how it works - the doctor injects a saline solution (which usually contains a local anesthetic) and performs the procedure. It is fast, outpatient body sculpting surgery. Of course, we usually advocate working out (with a little help) and this is no exception - lipo should only be used for people who have done what they can but want to get rid of specific stubborn fat pockets.

Although the holidays are generally a busy time, full of high-calorie food, this doesn’t have to equate to weight gain. You can find fun ways to get together with family and friends with exercise this holiday season. This can be as simple as playing in the snow or going to a resort for skiing or snowboarding.

My family and I like to visit Utah parks and recreation areas during the holidays. We go backcountry skiing, ice skating, tubing, and do other fun outdoor activities. After a long day of playing, we warm up with a hearty meal and sit by the fire and talk.

Next year we’re traveling to Spain for the holidays. We’re going skiing, walking along the mountains, and scuba diving in the waters of the Mediterranean (now that I’m certified).

Plan some outdoor activities that you and your family can enjoy doing the holidays. You’ll have a blast together, work your muscles and lungs, and won’t feel so bad indulging in some holiday chocolates!

I just found a great piece of exercise equipment for my home gym. I’ve discovered that I’m much more likely to do my work out if I can do it while watching my favorite shows on TV. Must See TV takes on a whole new meaning when you figure in it’s the only time of day you have two minutes to do a quick work out.

I didn’t think I was going to be able to find anything that I could afford but luckily some seller on eBay had really good prices on what I wanted. I always get nervous buying stuff online because I never understood how things could be so inexpensive without being stolen or something.

Finally a friend explained that people can sell stuff cheap if they use a dropship service.

Anyway, the point is that I finally found exactly what I was looking for and now it’s easier than ever to watch Law & Order for hours while sitting on the couch and feeling guilty for not working out. I think I’ll save the Biggest Looser for my work out tomorrow.

We’ve mentioned before that it’s helpful to drink water if you feel hungry or get a craving.  And everyone has heard that you should drink 8 ounces of water per day.  However, there are so many myths surrounding how much water you should drink that it’s hard to know what’s truthful or not.  To calculate how much water you should drink, weigh yourself on a scale and take your weight times 0.75.  This is the amount of water in ounces that you need to drink each day.  I’ll post more myths on water later so you know the truth about water consumption.

For now, start carrying a water bottle around and drinking more water throughout the day.  Don’t forget that you need to drink more before, during, and after exercise and when it is hot outside.

You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel when you drink more water.  Your skin will look better, you will have fewer stomach/digestive problems, and you can concentrate better.  (Hint: At the end of the day make sure you are near a bathroom.) Try it out!

One way to stick to you diet plan is to schedule a goal ahead of time. For instance, you could plan a vacation on a beach or somewhere active that you can enjoy your new body. Or plan little treats, like saving enough money each week to buy new clothes when you reach your end weight loss goal.

A smart way to motivate yourself to exercise and eat right is to take a “before” picture. Schedule your “after” picture with a professional Utah photographer. After your set number of weeks dieting, you should be able to keep your appointment with your photographer for your “after” picture, and be happy to do it because your body looks great!

Not only will the fat, unflattering picture of yourself from “before” motivate you during those hard days, but when you’re done you can compare your new, amazing body with your old overweight self. Nothing makes you feel better than being comfortable, healthy, and happy with your new body!

Exercising needs to be a continual part of your routine to effectively lose weight and keep it off. It helps if you can find something fun to do to burn some calories, which will help you stick to that activity.

Besides just exercising in the gym, find ways to get outside and be active. For instance, schedule a vacation playing outdoors, such as an Arizona vacation rental in the Northern mountains of the state. You can try horseback riding, fishing, hiking, or skiing. Although you may not be able to do these activities on a regular basis, they are a fun way to enjoy your vacation and get some exercise while you’re at it.

In fact, if you want to have more active vacations, check out The Adventure 100 site. They have fun, guided adventures throughout the world.

I’ve heard that color adds vitamins and nutrients to your body, but it does more than that! It also adds variety to your plate.

For instance, the other day I was eating a dinner of a baked potato and piece of chicken. While eating I realized how bland and boring my dinner looked, mainly because it was mostly variations of brown and neutral colors.

Remembering my experience the night before, I made my dinner the next night a bright spinach salad complete with chicken, nuts, cranberries, and a light vinagrette sauce. It was a beautiful meal!

Try to incorporate more colors into your meals and you’ll automatically have a prettier and more nutritious meal. Some ideas include adding blueberries to yogurt or morning oatmeal or cereal (try defrosting frozen), adding fruit to salads, adding green and red peppers to your dinner dishes, or simply adding green vegetables to all your dishes (either in the dish or as a side dish). Your body will thank you!

Holiday meals are one of the best things about the season.  The table is spread with all kinds of dishes that only see action during those special months, and we want to eat ALL OF THEM.  Try these tips to offset the typical holiday weight gain and still enjoy all the tasty treats. 

Don’t Eat Your Own Food

This might sound counterproductive but most likely you’ll be the one taking home your leftover green bean casserole.  So if you try new dishes during the meal, you won’t waste calories on the things you can reheat a day or two later.

Take Small Portions

I know we hear this all the time but in taking several small portions you’ll eat a lot less, and still feel like you’ve had a chance to try everything.  And if you can’t decide on which pie to try, just sneak a forkful of each when no one’s looking.

Make the Meal an Experience

Don’t focus on the food; focus on the people you’re with!  If you can talk and laugh during your meal you’ll be eating slower, but still get all the enjoyment of a longer, multi-course meal.