It’s no secret that we all struggle to stay fit and find a balance during the holidays, right?
I don’t think we should be as hard on ourselves as we normally are – it is the holiday season after all, and spreading the love should also include loving ourselves.
How do you plan on staying fit during the holidays, if at all? I want to enjoy myself, but hope to keep away the extra pounds.
Here are my top tips and how I plan to stay fit during this holiday season.
1. Exercise early. I have always been a morning person and enjoy starting my day with a sweaty workout. However, on those days off it is tempting to stay in my warm bed and put off my workout until later. I want to get it out of the way first thing in the morning, so I can spend the rest of the day enjoying time with family and friends, and not miss out.
2. Enjoy the meal. I never feel guilty about eating certain foods. I have never experienced food ‘guilt’ and don’t plan on starting now. I plan to fully enjoy myself on Thanksgiving and Christmas, and eat until I am satisfied. There is no need to stuff myself, or feel guilty. Just as one meal does not make you ‘lose weight,’ one meal will not make you gain weight.’ It is the consistency that counts.
3. The meal isn’t that special. I plan to fully enjoy myself during our big holiday meals, but there is no need to stuff myself like I’ve never seen food before. Each dish can be prepared again, whenever I want. Come January, I can make stuffing, sweet potato casserole, turkey, or whatever it may be that we are craving. They food will always be there.
4. Drink my water. It is no secret that I love water. I consume about a gallon total each day, during exercise and after. However, on the weekend I tend to slack a bit, being that I’m not on a ‘schedule.’ I don’t want this to happen on my days off, so I’m going to try very hard to drink all of my water each day.
5. Save up for the good stuff. With the holidays come a lot of parties. And with those parties comes tons of goodies. I’m planning on have a few peices of the things I really enjoy (like baklava!) and passing on the usuals – chocolate chip cookies, etc.
6. Limit the alcohol. Saying my family enjoys their booze is an understatement. I intend on having many a few drinks over the holiday season, but will probably stick to the lower-calorie options. I would rather eat my calories than drink them!
7. Don’t restrict, don’t compensate. After indulging in a larger meal, many of us feel we need to restrict our intake the next day. I plan on not restricting, and going back to my normal, healthy habits. I plan on staying consistent. I also am not going to over-compensate in exercise after an indulgent meal. This is definitely not a healthy habit, and I plan on following my normal routine. There is no need to compensate, since staying consistent with my healthy habits should even things out.
One thing I find that is very important to mention, is the fad of starting on January 1st. This drives me crazy. Why not start today? You are living your life today. There is no better time than the present.
I’ll start on Monday.
I’ll start next month.
I’ll start January 1st.
Why not begin living your life to the fullest today? We never know where we will be next Monday, next month, or next year. Make changes, not excuses.
I hope you guys will follow along with me as I try to stay in tip-top shape during the holidays!
If there is anything I hope you leave with, it is to not feel guilt this holiday season. This time a time of love and joy, and I don’t want anyone to spend the most wonderful time of the year disliking themselves.
Take charge of your life and your fitness, and enjoy this time with family and friends as much as possible! <3
I’m Jessica and this is where I share my stuff. You will find a balance of healthy recipes, comfort food and indulgent desserts.
Great tips! I really like the line that one meal doesn’t make you gain weight, and one meal doesn’t make you lose. Sometime I have to remember that or else I won’t eat something I really want to eat, and depriving ourselves is even worse.
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Oh I completely agree, I can’t stand it when people say “I’m going to start eating healthy January 1st”. I cringe when I hear that.
Your tips are perfect, Jessica. You are right on target and you should be an RD for the day! I especially like the one about not going crazy during Thanksgiving, and stuffing yourself to the brim. The food WILL always be there, it’s not like this is the only time you can ever eat it. It’s more important to enjoy your company and family, not stuff your face. Also, not thinking about it too much helps.
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Great tips again! All things I have remind clients of in the past. For me I really don’t do much different than any other day of the year, so I don’t worry too much. I can never really way over do it because I get full pretty quickly. Not to say I don’t stay full forever, but I can only eat so much at once. I usually get hungry again once I get back home.
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number 7 is so true! too many people restrict themselves and then hardcore SPLURGE..leaving them so lethargic (my family does it!) haha..gotta love em
great tips girl!!
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Great tips. I need the reminder sometimes when I start to feel guilty about enjoying what I’m craving!
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I plan on staying fit with regular excercise and good food choices. If you overdo it on the healthy yet delicious Thanksgiving foods, it’s going to give you energy and good weight for the gym. Also, I’m going to take it slow. There’ll be leftovers so there’s no point in eating it all at once
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great tips- i agree with number 3!! i think these will help a lot of people
xoxo
shelley
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OMG this is the best set of really basic (but totally useful and need reminding tips) I’ve seen in a long time. Basic, common sense, no b.s.
love.
“but there is no need to stuff myself like I’ve never seen food before. “–OMG how true…when i see people gorge themselves, it’s sad. It’s like really, you will have ready access to food, don’t gorge!
And the choc chip cookies vs. baklava and saving up for the good stufff…totally!
People ask me how I can make so many desserts and stay slim.
Because I dont eat the whole pan. I realize there will always be more. I can always have more. And so enjoy my bite or two and then back to the broccoli :)
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These are great suggestions. I’m the same as you – I like to exercise early so that it’s done and over with and I can enjoy the rest of the day. And I’m a huge fan of water!
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Love this! You’re right – there’s NOTHING to feel guilty about.
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I love the tips! Thanks!
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These are wise words…I definitely agree with your eating philosophies.
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Great tips! I love the part about starting your “resolution” today. So very true, there is no better time than the present. Also, you said you were going to stick to the lower calorie alcohols…any suggestions? Champagne vs. cocktails vs. wine? Thanks!
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Hi,
I like your blog! :o)
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