Keeping on-Track this Christmas Season
Okay, the silly season is well and truly here, and we all know it's also the season of jolly "Rolly Polley" waistlines.
But it's not just the one-off indulgences that cause weight gain; it's the gradual and consistent increase of calories and changes in diet that cause the problem – Christmas parties, a few NYE bubbles.. and before you know it, all your workouts for the year have faded into the distance.
Well, that won't be happening this year!
Here are my tips to stay healthy this Christmas…
DON'T LET YOUR ROUTINE GO OUT THE WINDOW (OR UP THE CHIMNEY)
Try to maintain your workout session, plus get in some additional walks to compensate for all those extra goodies! Who wants to come on a Christmas catch up walk with me? Getting some extra exercise this time of year is a great way to enjoy the holidays, but not let all your hard work slip away from you either.
DON'T PARTY TOO EARLY - OR PARTY ON TOO LONG.
Christmas time IS meant to be fun. But... the thing is, we tend to get a little excited in the lead-up and let go a little too early before the parties even start. Allow yourself a few relaxed days so that you can indulge on special occasions and stay on track with your good habits on the other days. If you can stick to your everyday health and fitness routine amongst the Christmas Crazies, you won't be trying to re-do all your excellent work from the previous year in the new year 2022.
NEVER ATTEND A PARTY HUNGRY (OR GO SHOPPING - FOR THAT MATTER).
A common party mistake is overeating the chips and dips waiting for the 'real food' to arrive. A handful of nuts or a boiled egg make the perfect for a pre-party sneaky snack because they contain slowly absorbed fats which will help keep hunger at bay until the roast rolls around.
PARTY PANTRY - WOOP WOOP!
We're all guilty of overstocking the cupboards with waaay too much processed junk over the Christmas period - just in case someone pops over. It's just super tempting in the meantime! Just buy what you need and choose healthier alternatives like cherries, berries, dark chocolate, nuts and good quality cheeses.
BUBBLes.
Don't think I'm saying no to alcohol, but do your best not to use the silly season as an excuse to overindulge with alcohol.
Try to limit alcohol to only the "parties", which will hopefully give you a few alcohol-free days. Drink heaps of water and avoid sugary drinks like juice and soft drink, and cocktails.
Forget THE ALL OR NOTHING ATTITUDE TO NUTRITION.
Instead of totally writing off the festive season with poor food choices and neglecting your fitness, try to balance up all the Christmas cheer. Enjoy good quality, tasty treats in controlled amounts, and pair them with healthy, nutrient-dense summer foods like salads, seafoods and fresh fruit. Use the holidays as an opportunity to get out and about more, and you'll be ready for a fitter and healthier new year!
Looking for more healthy inspiration this time of year? Join my private Facebook group to stay motivated and on track with your health and wellness journey!