Dr. Oz to Tyra Banks: Secrets to staying slim over the holidays
Celebrity holiday fit-tips
Dr. Oz
“Red wine can be great for women’s heart health,” says Dr. Oz. “Studies show that people who drink one glass a day have a lower risk of heart disease, because it contains antioxidants that we think help prevent damage to blood vessels, reduce bad cholesterol, and help prevent blood clots. Just remember that benefits don’t increase per glass. Moderation is key.”
Resveratrol, a compound present in grapes and red wine, is said to inhibit the development of fat cells and have other anti-obesity properties. And just like you, Dr. Oz also loves to indulge in chocolate! “I often talk about the health benefits of dark chocolate and nuts, but I also love the combination,” he quips. “My friends and family know I have a sweet tooth, so they’ll give me batches of dark chocolate-covered almonds or cashews around the holidays. Even though it’s predictable, I look forward to it every year.”
Try: Petrossian, wine-filled dark chocolate!
Sofia Vergara
“I behave really well two weeks before and then the moment when the holidays come along I eat anything!” says Modern Family's Sofia Vergara.
Ellie Kemper
The Office and Bridesmaids star explains, “While I don’t really watch what I eat, I do drink a lot more water and that fills me up a lot so I don't eat the really bad stuff too much!”
Constance Marie
The Switched at Birth star explains, “I am not so great at stopping myself from splurging during the holidays. I'm an extremist, I expect to gain five pounds during the holidays, it's just part of the experience. If I don't let myself do that, I feel like I'm missing out! So I kind of go for it! I start with having one dessert, but if I have six, then I am just better the next day.”
Marie has also been doing The Zone for six and a half years, “That helps, especially before the holidays kick in. And the HD Diet — the high definition diet — where everyone sees you on camera and you know you want to be the slimmest, trimmest looking woman in all of America! Really, I have to watch what I eat all year round!” she says.
Celebrity dentist Grace Sun
In order to keep your teeth looking great, celebrity dentist Grace Sun recommends watching your wine intake, remembering to brush and always using dental floss after each holiday meal! “Certain acidic properties present in wine (white, red or rose) create micro-porosity etching which rough the surface of your teeth, making your teeth much more susceptible to stains from other foods. White wine has an acid content that tends to increase the risk of stain or darkening of your teeth if combined with other habits like drinking tea, or similar dark beverages.
Don't be fooled by the crystal clear appearance of a white wine – it is certainly capable of dulling your teeth. Both whites and reds are equally capable of staining teeth.” To protect your teeth Sun suggests, “When you do drink acidic liquids or eat sugary foods, be sure to rinse your mouth with water. Brush and floss twice daily, and after meals – oral hygiene should be routine to avoid problems. Prevention is the most powerful form of self defense from oral health problems!”
Celebrity trainer Jackie Warner
“This holiday, I'm hoping to get a GoFit Stability Disk. This product provides an amazing core workout. It allows for a wider range of motion and forces the body to stabilize which intensifies the core.”
Warner’s holiday fitness tip: “Eat before you leave. Go to holiday functions on a full stomach so you are less inclined to snack!”
Her latest book, 10 Pounds in 10 Days: The Secret Celebrity Program for Losing Weight Fast is available in local bookstores and is a great stocking stuffer option.
Celebrity trainer Kristin McGee
“Eat a few raw almonds before going out or having a big meal. The protein and healthy fats help you stay full so you don't go overboard on drinks or food. Also, fitness is an all-day event — just because you can't get an official workout in, doesn't mean you can't add little bursts of activity throughout your day. So think 12 days of push-ups instead of 12 days of Christmas! Do 12 push-ups every morning first thing and no matter what, you've done something. Sun salutations before bed or do some stretching on the floor when wrapping gifts. Playing with the nieces and nephews, running around the house — everything counts!”
Miranda Lambert
Walking after a meal can be a wonderful way to trim off those extra holiday calories. Lambert, told us she loves putting on a pair of boots and heading out with her dogs. Studies have shown that people who own dogs exercise an average of 19 extra minutes a week than those without a furry friend. Lambert’s fave brand? Old Gringo boots, she even got married in a pair.
Paula Deen
“I have always said it’s all about moderation,” says chef Paula Deen, who after struggling with health issues earlier this year, lost an impressive 30 pounds. In an interview with People earlier this year, Paula acknowledged that she “thinks differently now” about food and is “more aware.”
Having herbal teas on hand to drink during the holiday meal can fill you up too. “There’s nothing like a cup of hot mint tea, fresh from the garden to serve at the holidays. Beautiful presentation with zero guilt,” added Deen.
Tyra Banks
“I like drinking water. And I don’t put sugared beverages in my body. I think it’s such a waste of time to drink a calorie. I prefer to eat my calories!”
Valerie Bertinelli
“There is no better holiday gift to give than healthy, homemade goods. I recently released my first cookbook, One Dish at a Time. This is very near and dear to my heart because it’s filled with my most beloved Italian family recipes. Thanks to Jenny Craig, I have been able to embrace my love of cooking again, but now in a more thoughtful and healthful way.”
The cookbook includes some of her favourite healthy Jenny-inspired dishes and discusses her love of fresh fruits and vegetables and how she adds them to her meals. The principle, called Volumetrics, teaches clients that they can feel more satisfied while reducing the number of calories consumed by adding fresh fruits and vegetables to their meals.
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