You know those articles that say “If you eat a holiday cookie, you need to spend X minutes on the treadmill, etc. burning it off?” Well, burn those articles. This time of year, it’s inevitable you’re going to overindulge. There are just too many get-togethers and presents that include food and sweets. With that, I put together a few simple tips to keep on track through the remainder of the month, and a fun new playlist to keep you motivated. Because while I don’t believe you need to punish yourself for indulging, you do need to rein(deer) it in (sorry for the terrible pun).
Keep on a normal routine as best as possible
It’s a busy and stressful time of year. But that doesn’t mean your healthy eating and workouts should fall by the wayside. Keeping an exercise routine is so important now. I love starting the day with a good sweat — it keeps me sane and healthy. Don’t fall into the trap thinking because it’s busy and you’ll be eating a little more badly that you should “wait until after the holidays.” It’s going to be a lot harder come January 2. And I’m guilty of telling myself, “I ate badly this afternoon so may as well the rest of the day/weekend.” No, no, no! It’s a lot easier said than done, but keeping in as normal of a routine as possible will make it a lot easier on yourself to participate in that holiday potluck or champagne cheers.
Don’t eat garbage every day
The last few days, I’ve had some treats between holiday dinners and get-togethers, as well as client gifts at work. Also, I know that this Thursday, Friday, and Saturday will all be filled with more parties. That said, I know that I have the opportunity to eat healthy Monday through Wednesday. And on the days I have parties, I can still have something like a smoothie or a salad earlier in the day. Just because it’s December doesn’t mean you can eat like garbage every day. And you don’t have to go crazy all three days in a row. Have a gameplan.
Think about why you want to be healthy
Personally, when I have too much sugar I get a terrible headache and just want to nap. And when I don’t work out, I feel more tired and the combination of the two makes me feel SO lethargic. It’s a terrible feeling. Staying healthy now will keep you feeling a lot better during all those marathon present-wrapping and cookie-baking sessions.
Have a plan for Jan
While I don’t encourage waiting until January to be healthy again, January IS a great time to get into a new routine. Try a new fitness class (some of my favorites are in this post) or even an eating plan. Do a juice cleanse, try Whole 30, dry January, or my personal favorite, Faster Way to Fat Loss. While I haven’t shared much on that, I lost 15 pounds on it earlier this year and I plan to get back on it in January. Have questions on it? Send me a note!
Don’t be so hard on yourself
Had several heapings of cookie dough and almost a whole bottle of prosecco? Seriously, don’t sweat it. Life is entirely too short to beat yourself up because you overindulged. It’s the holiday season — a time to celebrate with those you love. To me, there’s no better way to do that than with a great meal and glass (or two or three) of holiday cheer. So enjoy yourself, do the best you can, and remember: ’tis the season for bulky sweaters to hide those extra pounds.
New: Christmas Workout Playlist
Here’s a fun playlist I put together for your workouts this month — enjoy!
