How To Avoid Holiday Weight Gain: Michele Rusinko

“We stay tough together and begin the New Year healthy and strong!!”
Michele Rusinko's healthy holiday secrets
Michele Rusinko’s healthy holiday secrets

Michele Rusinko has been on quite the journey. Here’s the fast-forward version of her story: high-flying sales director -> acquired severe food allergies -> eczema -> doctor’s visits -> steroid shots -> got educated -> changed diet -> eczema vanished -> looks better at 48 than she did at 38. “I didn’t know how bad I was feeling until I started feeling so good,” says Michele.

Needless to say, Michele is no longer in sales; she’s now a certified health coach and fitness instructor at Mountainside Fitness – and she just added author to her resume (Woot! Woot!). Michele recently published her first book: Simply Seasonal: A Simple Guide to Eating Delicious and Nutritious Food. We all know we should be eating more whole foods (an apple trumps an apple-flavored granola bar, duh), but Michele actually tells us how to do it, with kitchen essentials, pantry staples, grocery lists, delicious recipes and tons of nutrition know-how. It’s not a diet book; it’s an okay-here-are-the-facts-and-benefits-you-decide book. Here, Michele divulges her stay-healthy holiday strategies…

Seek strength (and willpower) in numbers.
At the beginning of the holiday season, I give my classes a challenge – we can either get on that slippery slope through “sugar season” or we can beat it by working out harder and eating smarter. After each [amped up] class, I discuss a nutrient dense food and challenge teammates to incorporate it! We stay tough together and begin the New Year healthy and strong!!

"We stay tough together and begin the New Year healthy and strong!!"
“We stay tough together and begin the New Year healthy and strong!!”

Stay hydrated! Water hydrates and provides energy… while flushing toxins. I drink water upon waking and throughout the day.  Sometimes I infuse it with fresh fruit like berries or citrus or fresh herbs such as basil or mint.  Vegetables are a crucial part of hydration as well…carrots, celery, cucumber, and green leafy vegetables are all good sources.

Schedule in relax time. Sleep and relaxation are really important this time of year. I make sure my sleep is restful and I practice deep stretching and indulge in massage, steams and warm baths.

Say yes to the dress. Buying my holiday dress before sugar season starts ensures I’ll be able to wear it by the end of December!

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