Are you over that Thanksgiving Slumber yet? That sickly sweet sugar rush that began before Halloween and seems to continue until after New Years. That happy time of year when all we have been working for goes right out the window, and 7-10 pounds of fat attaches itself to our backside. At least that is what can happen between now and the new year, if you let it.
Does that mean you can’t enjoy yourself during the holiday season?
No, but it does mean you need to be aware of the dangers associated with all that extra food lying around. What if your tendency, like mine, is to be “all or nothing”? What do I mean by all or nothing? Many of us who struggle with our weight are very good at being focused for short periods of time, but as soon as something comes up that breaks our routine (like the holidays) we tend to slack off too much, for too long. Before you know it, we have gained 10 pounds back and feel guilty about it.That's the kind of stocking stuffer we can live without!
Let's revisit some strategies for getting through the holidays without having to pull out the stretchy pants:
- Keep Your Training Schedule - When things get busy don't take the time away from your workout. Keep your regular schedule and work your extra activities around what you already do. If switching up your routine can't be helped than plan on getting into the gym at a different time. Cr8 Fitness has 7 different options on training days.
- Be Aware - Going to parties can be hard on your nutrition. When we are in social situations we tend to follow the crowd - and that usually means eating, and eating, and eating some more.
- Plan Ahead - Have a plan in place before you go out shopping and to parties. Don’t be tempted to grab fast food because it’s convenient. Plan when and where you are going to eat- and choose healthy. At parties scout out the table and hit the vegetable plate first - it will fill you up and help keep you from overindulging in the other goodies.The bottom line is – YOU control what you do on a daily basis. Nobody uses a crowbar on your jaw and forces you to eat 4 pieces of pumpkin pie. Nobody ties you to the bed so you can't get up and train. Don't let the holidays drag you down. Don't buy into the false mentality that the only way to be happy during the holidays, or anytime for that matter, is by eating unhealthy food that tastes good. If I can do it – so can you!
To Your Best Health,
Coach Nancy
