During the holiday season, it's easy to let health and fitness routines fall by the wayside.
However, being realistic, sticking to a routine, allowing indulgences, managing stress, and not beating yourself up can help you avoid holiday weight gain and continue working towards your goals.
With diligence and self-care, you can maintain your progress through the holidays and start the new year without starting fitness resolutions from scratch.
1: Be Realistic
Don't try to change your workouts during the holiday season. Stick to your current routine to avoid burnout, soreness, or illness.
Keep your workouts consistent, and don't overload yourself with extra sessions. Familiar exercises and steady effort will help your body handle the added stressors.
Don't worry about achieving new fitness goals; sustaining your baseline will set you up for success in the new year.
2: Schedule Workouts (Yes, You should work out)
During the holiday season, it's easy to get caught up in social events and neglect your fitness routine. However, it's essential to prioritise your workouts by scheduling them in your calendar and treating them like any other necessary appointment.
Take a proactive approach by planning and blocking off time for your regular workout sessions. Avoid cutting back on your usual workout routine, even if you have holiday parties or travel plans.
If you're on the road, look for nearby gyms or replace them with indoor workouts. By being prepared and scheduling workouts, you can stay on track with your fitness goals during the busy holiday season.
3: Choose Healthier Treats
During the holidays, indulging in rich and delicious foods is easy. However, you can still enjoy partying while supporting your health goals by making a few smart choices.
First, look for food items with grilled or roasted proteins, such as fish or chicken. Avoid deep-fried, oily, or creamy sauces.
Secondly, opt for wholesome food over processed food. That is food that is still close to its natural state. Think yam, potatoes, beans, etc., instead of pasta, pastries and co. Don't be shy about asking for a substitute. After all, you will never know till you ask. 😎
Lastly, be mindful of portion sizes and avoid super-sized meals. Consider sharing a snack with a friend or taking half of your meal home for later.
By choosing healthier options and being mindful of portion sizes, you can still enjoy parties while maintaining your health goals.
4: Manage Stress
The holiday season can be stressful, making it harder to maintain healthy habits. Here are three tips to manage stress and stay on track:
Prioritise exercise, even if it's just a short workout. It releases feel-good endorphins and relieves tension.
Take breaks from stress triggers like socials and news. Unplug for set periods each day.
Make time for hobbies that recharge you, including sleep, and lean on your support system. Spend time with loved ones.
Don't try to do it all during the holidays. Focus on balancing obligations and self-care. Manage stress skillfully, and you can stay fit, healthy, and happy all season long.
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