Now that it’s the holiday season, people tend to ruin their healthy diets, stop working out, and even gain a few extra pounds. Based on studies, most people tend to put on additional weight between Thanksgiving Day and New Year celebrations.
You can still enjoy the holidays and stay fit at the same time. Here are 12 useful tips to help you offset getting off-course this year:
1. Eat Before Heading Out
You won’t be tempted to eat a lot or overindulge.
2. Select the Treats
Choose something that you can only enjoy during the holiday season and not something that is readily available all the time.
3. Avoid Skipping Meals
Don’t skip meals, especially breakfast! Even though it’s tempting to believe that it will make up for what you ate the day before, don’t do it. You’ll only want to eat more later.
4. Drink with Moderation
Alcohol, soda or other juices only add more calories to your day.
5. Be Active
You should still perform your fitness routine whenever possible and if you can’t do that, simply walk more.
6. Get Out of the House
Plan outdoor activities where everyone in your household is involved. Even a snowball fight in the backyard will burn a lot of calories and keep the children entertained.
7. Don’t Skip Your Strength Workouts
Perform your strength training to maintain that muscle mass you worked hard to get. You might be tempted to use light weights and just do some cardio, but you can burn just as many calories by lifting weights.
8. Set Realistic Goals
Don’t try to overdo it. Aim for at least half an hour of exercise every day.
9. Enjoy Yourself
Set realistic diet plans. Trying to restrain yourself totally from some foods will only make you eat more. Feel free to enjoy the treats that you really love, but in small portions.
10. Drink a Lot of Water
This can always help with your appetite as well as keep you hydrated.
11. Eat Less and More Often
Distribute your meals evenly throughout the day. Instead of having two enormous meals, have five small ones. Eat your dinner earlier and have a nice walk before going to bed.
12. Prioritize Your Workouts
Try to do them early in the morning while everyone else is still sleeping.
Happy and healthy holidays everyone!