The Holidays need to be treated with respect if we hope to not torpedo our weight loss goals!
For many people these few weeks add up to complete diet disaster. For a quick example, did you know Americans on average gain seven pounds between Thanksgiving in November and New Year’s day? This is a terrible statistic considering how difficult many find it to shed pounds.
Wishing for a healthier way to celebrate the Holidays? Read on and find out how you can still have fun without giving yourself a spare tyre around the waist for Christmas!
Stay Hydrated
The more water you drink the less calories you will eat. Staying hydrated is a sure way to not over indulge on food because of false “hunger” signals. Water is your calorie less, health providing friend. Drink lots of it.
Fill Up on Protein
There’s no need to skip the holiday meals with friends and family. Just make sure to focus on eating protein. Think a little extra turkey or ham over potatoes and rice. More carbs with less activity is a sure way to get fat. Protein, on the other hand, is much much more forgiving.
Drink in Moderation
Alcohol binges on New Year’s Eve can really be a mess if you are drinking calorie heavy beer and mixed drinks. Drink moderately and choose less harmful options when you can. You can still have fun while not torching your physique believe me!
Amp Up the Cardio
Don’t skip workout sessions during the Holidays. Why not up the intensity instead? You will surely have the time to get your cardio in and this can be a pretty effective counter measure should you stumble and over eat a bit. Even if you can only manage a half session or the gym is closed and you run at home, anything is better than doing NOTHING,
Try Adding in Fast Days
Yes fasting works. Why not add in a “fast” day where you drink only calorie less liquids for every day where you broke your diet? This has been shown to be both safe and effective. You may even decide to give fasting a shot during your normal schedule too. If you do be sure to check out an Intermittent Fasting Guide or book to get yourself caught up to speed.
Have a Holiday Success Coach
Sign up a friend, family member or significant other as your Holiday Success Coach. Their job is keep watch what goes on your plate and give you a scowl should you get out of hand. Also encouraging you to workout is part of the job position. Be sure to reward them with a great Christmas gift and a drink or two on New Year’s!
It’s not the end of the world if you put on a pound or two over the holidays. If you keep these tips in mind and apply them the worst excesses can be avoided. This sets you up perfectly for having the best fitness year of your life! There’s no better gift you can give yourself for the New Year and beyond.
