Ahh the holiday season is upon us! Homemade cookies and candies are around every corner it seems. From friends and family get-togethers to office parties being catered in, you just can’t seem to break away from all the tasty temptations.
This time of year can be rough on anyone trying to maintain or stay on track with their fitness goal(s). However, now is not the time to panic, stress out, get depressed, self-sabotage or over analyze things. Courts Plus is here to help! Not only with your workouts but also with some: Seasonal Survival Tactics and Tips!
1). In the famous words of Aaron Rodgers from the Green Bay Packers: “R.E.L.A.X” – Try not to sweat the small stuff. Be smart and keep things simple i.e., get a good night’s sleep, stay hydrated, stick to your game plan with your workouts, go for walks or move throughout your day more and enjoy foods in moderation. Which leads me to the next point.
2). Enjoy the seasonal foods that come around only once or twice a year. Have a piece of that homemade secret peach kuchen that grandma makes only on special occasions. When attending holiday parties and you see that bacon wrapped asparagus, or Santa decorated sugar cookie, feel free to have one. Enjoy it and don’t beat yourself up. Moderation is the key here. Just don’t eat the whole plate!
3). Plan ahead: If you know you’re going out and there will be delicious foods plan for it. Eat a smaller breakfast, get that workout in, lighter nutritious filled lunch and plenty of water throughout your day. Then enjoy things in moderation at the party or get-together (inserting Covid small group jokes/puns here!).
4). I think we’ve all heard what alcohol does to our waistlines and health but just in case we need a reminder. Try and stick to serving sizes and water in between the drinks. Wine typically is 4 oz or a half-cup. Those calories can sneak up on you in a hurry if you’re not careful and their just empty calories.
5). The next day: please try not to starve yourself or kill it in the gym with extra hours of cardio. Go about your day as normal and get back on track with things. The water weight you gained will eventually go away within a day or two.
6). Memories, laughter, pictures, family, are short-lived are they not? Live for today and don’t worry about tomorrow as today has enough worries in itself. By skipping holiday parties or family events because you want to stay so close to your goals will only end up with regret. You never know how much time you have with your loved ones so cherish these moments! Get outside and go for a bike ride or after lunch walk. The more you keep moving the better you’ll feel.
Take home message. I tell my clients to focus on maintaining their weight through the holiday season instead of focusing on the deficit or losing. That way they can enjoy life. Keep smart with things and try not to over-indulge. If you need any extra help, Courts Plus offers free group fitness classes for members along with great trainers to help you. Get those workouts in and have a safe, blessed holiday season!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS! Rhys
Certifications:
- NSCA-CPT, NSCA, CSCS, NPTI, CPR/AED
