Submitted by Shani McGraham-Shirley
None of these tips are rocket science, these are basic stuff that we all know already but just need a small reminder. There are no excuses for packing up the pounds for any holidays, sabotaging all the work you have put in. Let’s celebrate but enjoy ourselves moderately. Simple basic and easy to follow.
Tip #1: Don't Set Yourself Up for Failure
Don’t set yourself up for failure, keep your fitness regimen going. Don’t think to yourself it’s the holidays I will just bloat up and start again after the holidays. We are all overachievers, we will end up bloating up more than expected.
Tip #2: Fuel Up
Fuel up, don’t walk with your stomach empty. Don’t go to a party with the purpose of drinking and eating. Fuel up, make a simple smoothie and fill your stomach before heading out to any celebrations.
Tip #3: Choose Wisely
Choose Wisely, if you must eat at a party, choose protein, skip the carbs. Protein fills you longer and get you going through the night without any guilt. Do not load up on those carb calories.
Tip #4: Be Active
Do not break your fitness routine. Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean you have to stop. Fit it into your schedule, best time is early morning, get it done before you start the activities for the day. Even if you cannot get to the gym, look around you and use what you have to exercise. Example, use a chair to do some triceps dips, There is no reason not to get your exercise in.
Tip #5: Find the Balance
Holidays are about celebration with family and friends, when we are entertaining our loved ones, find a balance and offer healthy food options along with the sweet, indulgent foods. Substitute unhealthy ingredients in dishes with healthier ones where possible, such as using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, fat free milk instead of heavy cream.
Tip #6: Rehydrate
For many reasons during the holidays, we tend to dehydrate. Remember to drink your water and rehydrate. It’s that simple.
Tip #7: Rest
Rest, so simple, so easy. Sleep, make sure you get your rest in.
Tip #8: Moderation
Don’t overeat and overdo the food, cocktails and sugary drinks. Remember your portion sizes on the plate. There is no need to pile your plate sky high or pour another cocktail.
Tip #9: Small Frequent Meals
Eat small frequent meals throughout the day. Don’t wait until you are hungry to eat as we tend to overeat then. Try to eat small meals every three hours to keep your metabolic rate up and your body energized.
Tip #10: Sweat
Go out and get your sweat on. You can get exercise anywhere. Do some jumping jacks in your living room, butt kicks and high knees in your dinning room. Does not matter where you are, get your cardio in.
Tip #11: Drink Something Hot
Drink something hot. Your grandmother was right when she use to tell you to drink that cup of hot tea. Having hot liquid before a meal will gives you a sense of satiation and you will eat less.
Tip #12: Get Moving
Walk everywhere, park your car at the end of the parking lot and walk. Don’t waste time circling around the parking lot looking for the closest spot. Walk, burn those calories.
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