Tips on "Staying Fit for the Holidays"

Factio Magazine talks to Melissa Foss, a freelance style expert and contributing editor for Stylelist.com and former sr. editor at Harper’s Bazaar on how to stay fit during party season.

FACTIO MAGAZINE: What are your tips on staying fit during the holidays?
MELISSA FOSS: Since I know I’ll be in tempting situations, I’ll stick to my workout routine no matter what. This includes seeing my Equinox trainer, Sean James, at least twice a week and upping the cardio (in order to work off those extra glasses of champagne!). The holidays are frenetic, so I’ll be aware of the dangers of stress eating and try to alleviate that pressure with exercise, which, in my opinion, is the fountain of youth.

FM: Do you have a special meal plan?
MF: As a vegetarian (who eats fish) the majority of celebratory foods are no-nos for me anyway. Forget turkey, ham, all that. I stick with the sides- the vegetables, etc. But sadly this doesn’t exclude dessert, which is my complete downfall. One trick I’ve learned recently, and I swear it works, is to eat a couple fiber-rich crackers, like Scandinavian Bran Crispbread, before a meal. It fills up your stomach and you definitely eat less.

FM: What is your typical workout at Equinox?
MF: I’m all about weight resistance training. I do a lot of lunges, squats holding weights, dead lifts, and moves that focus on the lower body. (Hello, rear view!) Lately, I’ve been concentrating on core muscles too, since tooling around in stilettos all the time is starting to take its toll. Since I’m obviously not going to give up the shoes, I’d better get stronger all over. Then, a few times a week if it’s nice out I’ll run around Central Park or hop on the elliptical and watch TV. The fact that there is TV there is the ONLY reason I ever make it to 45 minutes.