We are in the midst of the Holiday Season. All of those Holiday parties might be catching up to you and sticking to your workout schedule has been nearly impossible. Here are a few tips to help you get back on track and stick to a fitness and eating routine that is realistic and keeps you from packing on those Holiday pounds.
Be Realistic:
Schedule shorter workouts. During the Holidays it is hard to find time to do everything. You need to make exercise a priority but it is unrealistic to think you can get a 1 or 2 hour workout in. All you need is 30 minutes a day. Something is better than nothing!
Workout method:
Use High Intensity Interval Training as your method, this burns max calories and involves resistance training which is key to your workouts. You may think you need to do lots of cardio to burn those extra calories, when in fact muscles aids in burning fat and will help to fight off those extra calories.
Everyday Eating:
Knowing Holiday parties are going to be in the schedule make a point not to have junk food and sugary foods around the house. Be strict with yourself and have some self control with your everyday eating. Eat plenty of fresh foods, stay away from processed foods, don't eat out when you don't have to. Drink plenty of water!
The Day of the Party:
Make a point the day you have a Holiday party to squeeze in a workout, even if it is only 30 minutes. Get your metabolism firing and burn some extra calories. Don't skip any meals! Lower your portions a bit and eat a little something before you go to the party so you don't show up ready to ravage the food platter. Try to stick to the lower calorie foods such as carrot sticks.
Alcohol Consumption:
This is a hard one during the Holidays, but alcohol can really do a number on your system. Keep it under control and limit your consumption.
Limit Your Stress:
Stress can really takes its toll on your body. Prepare and plan ahead for all the "extras" the Holidays bring on. To help control your stress exercise, get enough sleep, eat a well balanced diet and get some time to yourself to just breath. Take a few moments for yourself to check in and regroup.
By following these few steps you will avoid packing on those extra pounds. You will find by making your health a priority you will enjoy your Holiday even more. This is the time to give and love, that is hard to do when you are tired, sick and stressed out. Take care of you so you can take care of others.
Have a Happy Holiday everyone.
Jessica Unbewust
co-owner
ferrum fitness
Sources:
Healthy Holiday Fitness Tips
Fitness Tips For Avoiding the Holiday Weight Gain
