Trimming the fat before the holidays - Los Angeles Local News, Weather, and Traffic

The upcoming holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, but it's also the season to gain weight.

"It's cold, you're inside, you don't want to go anywhere so all you do is eat, eat, eat, eat, eat," said fitness expert Deshaun Johnson.

Johnson, who is considered the Guru of Abs in personal training circles, says you still have time to trim the fat before you trim the turkey. He says in order to look lean, you've got to eat clean.

"Try to stay away from the carbs: the pork, the sugars, the sodium, the salts. Because that's what retains water and you want to try to look as lean as you want to be," advised Johnson.

He says you then have to make a little time to get moving.

"You just have to find out what works best for you and your schedule. So if you're working early, do cardio during lunch or when you get off, set aside 45 minutes to walk on the treadmill or do an at home workout," said Johnson.

There are a couple of at home exercises that if done on a regular basis could help you stay trim. The first one uses simple resistance bands and a door. Another at home exercise is the good, old-fashioned crunch. Deshaun says don't let you lower back leave the floor.

If getting on the floor is too much, Johnson says you can work your abs while standing up. Using a broom handle, you can bring your knees to your chest or with your legs slightly bent, bend over.

He says between now and Thanksgiving set goals.

"Keep pushing and set a small goal, you have to start off small before you go big," said Johnson.

Johnson says 30 days is all you need to form good habits and experience a significant amount of weight loss. He says don't give yourself excuses, there's always something you can do to keep the body active. For more information, click here!