the time between thanksgiving and new years is filled with celebrations, parties, announcements, joyous occasions, feasts, house parties, and get togethers....and of which seem to have an abundance of hearty winter foods and lots and lots of booze. the time between thanksgiving and new years is a time where early mornings are filled with brunches, and headaches, rather than a run or trip to the gym, free time is to catch up on sleep, and we slip on our exercise routines and healthy diets. it happens! and it's ok to enjoy the season, to indulge!....just not over indulge. here are a few tips i've come up with over the years on how to stay healthy and fit during the holidays!
1. Let's Set the Pace
This is not a race. Slow on down, folks. There
are so many parties and gatherings this season, you won’t be missing a thing by
going a little slower. You may be one to hurry your meals, to eat fast, to
drink fast. But you won’t win a medal by eating fast. It takes at least 20
minutes for our brains to signal that we’re actually full. Meaning the slower
eater will consume less calories before feeling full, as opposed to the speed
eater. Same goes with your alcohol intake…mix in a glass of water between each drink,
and especially one before you sit down for a big meal. It will help “fill you
up” without adding calories. There will be many opportunities for food and
drink, you won’t miss out on anything by going slow.
2. Help the Host
Offer to bring a healthy dish to the party. The
host will most likely be overwhelmed with all
that goes into planning a party,
and will be very grateful for you offering to help out! Think veggie platter
with homemade hummus, smoked salmon on cucumber slices rather than toast, or a
bowl of berries for dessert.
3. Write it Down
You’ve heard this tip before, and even if you
don’t usually do this, try it just for the holidays. Use a journal to monitor
your nutrition and exercise. It’s one of the best ways to keep track. Even if
it’s just a small pad of paper in your wallet, it’s beneficial. This makes you
accountable to yourself on a daily basis, is a tool to developing nutritional
goals for yourself, determines eating patterns, helps you improve your energy
levels, and will enhance your overall performance by tracking your daily
workouts. Most importantly, be honest, but don’t punish yourself if you tend to
overindulge at a holiday function….chances are you need the fuel. Don’t fret,
this time of year is for getting together with loved ones, reconnecting with
old friends – enjoy the company – enjoy the holidays!
4. Challenge Yourself
Set a challenge – run one mile every day until
Christmas. Not your style? Hit the gym for 40 minutes every day. Ride a bike
for 3 miles every day. Maybe it’s practicing yoga or Pilates up until New
Years. Make it a realistic challenge, one you can hold yourself to. It’ll feel
so good to accomplish it!
5. Exercise Early
Especially on days when you do have a party to
go to that night, or when you know you’ll be busy. Get your workout in early so
that you won’t have to worry about it later. You’ll feel focused in spite of
the craziness of the day. Routines are key. Once you lose track, it’s hard to
get back on. Don’t leave it to New years, make your resolution today.
6. You'll Love this Treat....
Not with pumpkin pie, but with new sneakers, or
new leggings. Maybe that new zip up you
need so you can run outside. This new
fitness equipment will give you that extra boost of
motivation throughout the
season.
7. Be a Kid
Sledding? Check. Building a snow man? Check.
Snowshoeing? Check. All of these are active,
and will get your heart rate
pumping and blood flowing.
And will make you laugh all the while – and hey,
there’s a good ab workout!
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So enjoy the holiday, this beautiful season - and maybe try one of two of these tips!
xx
nance
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