For some people, it may be a challenge to stay in shape through the Christmas season. All the gatherings, family dinners, special events could really send a lot of temptation your way. Cookies, cakes, alcohol, and tasty dishes can ruin your current fitness program or that body that you’ve worked so hard for up to this point.
So am I asking you to stay away from sweets this holiday season? Of course not. This is a season of giving and families reuniting. There are going to be treats and you should treat yourself to them and have fun. However, learn to control yourself and stay on your exercise routine to keep your body improving.
This doesn’t mean depriving yourself of fun as you celebrate the season. There are ways to minimize the damage brought by revelry. Read some of these tips to keep your figure and keep from gaining weight during the next 30 days.
Practical Tips to Stay In Shape Through The Holidays
- Focus on your goals. This is the perfect time to refresh yourself why you went through all the hardship to get this far in your fitness journey. Mental discipline can save you through all the late night drinking and binge eating. Remember that this season will pass too and summer will come soon. Then, you’re gonna wish what you should have done. Don’t live with regrets you can control.
- Be consistent with your workout. This is exactly why you need to hit the sack early. You need power courtesy of a good night’s sleep to do your routines. The holidays shouldn’t be used as an excuse to lay low from your workout. Get your workout done, then celebrate with discipline.
Stay in Shape Using these Food Tips
- Eat small portions. This sounds familiar although there are some tweaks during the holidays. If you’re in party, take small portions of good protein sources like turkey, beef, or chicken. After an hour, go for fiber like salads or fruits; choose light dressings live olive oil or vinegar. Small carb portions of pasta is also good but be careful of the sauce. Leftovers from sumptuous meals can be transformed to healthy ones. Just look for the right recipes to help you with this one.
- Avoid overindulging on desserts or sodas. Stay away from these as much as you can. High fructose corn syrup is your enemy and it’s everywhere – sodas, desserts, pastries, among others. Even simple looking sauces can be deceiving so be mindful. Whenever you pass by the chocolate fondue, ignore it or do ten body squats.
- Try to keep away from over consumption of alcohol. Alcohol sabotages your metabolism that helps you burn fat. Your blood sugar can take a sudden drop which means a bad hangover. Before you know it, you’ll miss your workout routines. Alcohol also contributes to a larger waistline. If you can’t avoid it, a can of beer or a single shot of vodka is enough. Although your friends would be disappointed, just think of the burpees you have to do.
The Holiday Agenda to Stay in Shape
After all the celebration, many people will realize that they’ve drank or eaten too much. Come January, these individuals will start on a new program to compensate for their negligence. You won’t be part of this crowd because you’ve paid your dues. You worked hard by sweating out daily.
You felt sore from resistance training. Your heart almost fell out from brutal cardio workouts. So, why waste all these efforts? You know the rewards all too well. Good vital stats, high energy, sound sleep, and a disciplined life. You persisted every single day because you believe in a fit lifestyle. Of course, that beachbody of yours is the final icing on the cake.
One of life’s greatest achievements is reaching your fitness goals. If you want to permanently stay in shape, follow the tips. The rewards come later in life as your loved ones will thank you for being a healthy person. Enjoy the holidays and good luck.
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Live Passionately,
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