1. Don't go to a party hungry! Just like they say not to grocery shop when you are hungry same goes for a party ~ even if it is a dinner party or a potluck. Make sure you eat a good serving of some fruits and veggies BEFORE you head out. Snack on some carrots, banana, etc as you are getting ready:) Accompany the fruits and veggies with lots of water as well. It is also a good idea to do some research on the calorie count (and nutritional information) of those yummy holiday foods and goodies. I really like LiveStrong My Plate for the breakdown the site provides. And it is really user friendly. http://www.livestrong.com/thedailyplate/
2. Create an "allowance"! Yes I know you are not 12 anymore and you can do whatever you want but you need to set some guidelines. Whether you have a Christmas party, New Years party or just one of those busy visiting days go into it knowing what you are allowed to have. My allowance for each party is 2 alcoholic beverages maximum (no pop in my drinks) and 1 small dessert (aiming for 2 inches by 2 inches maximum). If it is a potluck or dinner party aim for smaller portions (even use a small plate if available!) I know I used to be bad for going to Christmas dinner really hungry and then eat a gigantic plate of turkey, potatoes, veggies, stuffing and ALL the fixings. Then I would feel SO full and tired. I hate that feeling ~ especially knowing I ate WAY too much of not-so-healthy things. This year is going to be different!
3. Keep up with you exercise routine! I know the holidays are already super busy for a lot of people with the visiting, shopping, etc. but set a goal in advance (ON YOUR CALENDAR) of what you plan to do everyday. If your gym is closed, go for a walk, make a snowshoe date with friends, go skiing, go for a hike to find that great Christmas tree, skate, sledding. There is SO much we can do that doesn't require a gym so make a plan, write it down and do it. I like this workout that I found on Pinterest. Always great to have an indoor plan where I live:)
4. Press RESET if you fell off the wagon. It is never too late. Don't do what I used to do ~ fall off the wagon and then feel guilty about it that I would continue to fall off the wagon. If you had a few too many drinks, or one too many desserts start fresh the next day. Drink a bunch of water before bed to help flush the system and aim for having a super healthy day the next. Once in a while you will fall because you are human but I think the mistake people commonly make is doing it over and over. Don't go that last 2 weeks of December cruising along eating whatever you want, drinking a lot and not exercising. You will pay for it later. Speaking from experience here:) And don't wait until good ole January 1st to start either. Just gives you an excuse to eat bad over the holidays. The only thing worse than being unhealthy for a year is being unhealthy for a year and a day. Do it now! Here is a 2 day Post Holiday Cleanse to get you back on your feet if you need it http://17ddblog.com/2-day-post-holiday-detox-infographic/
5. Don't lose sight of your goals. I know I am tired of the back and forth. I have gone through a lot of changes over the last few years with being in not-so-great-shape, to being in good shape, baby, post baby, baby, post baby, and back to getting on track to reach my fitness and weight loss goals. I am tired of setting the start date to sometime in the future when I could do it right now. Last year at this time I was signing up for the 60 Day Fitness Challenge that has kickstarted a passion for being healthy, fit, and strong. I still have a ways to go but I know that I never want to go back to the size and shape I once was. I want to get stronger and leaner ~ really see how far I can go!
I challenge you to follow these 5 steps I have listed above and add your own specific guidelines if need be. It is hard to say no and it is hard to maintain that will power this time of year but take one day at a time and you will feel (and look) phenomenal!
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