Chocolates, cakes and cookies, oh my! Its everywhere this time of year, the goodies and the treats. Then you step on the scale in January and are about ready to already give up your New Years Resolution.
Hello everyone it’s Coach Jo. Today I’m going to share with you four tips to staying fit through the holidays so that you can skip the holiday weight gain this year!
Stick to Routines
Tip number one is to stick to your routines as much as you can. It can be hard in all the hustle and bustle of getting ready for celebrations to stick to our normal routines. But it would benefit you to try to stick as close to them as you can. There are a couple of reasons why.
- Routines provide structure: First of all routines help provide structure for our lives. They are backbone of our days and weeks. When we are low on energy routines help us move through our day and get things done without having to make decision after decision after decision. This time of there is so much to do, we can often get lost in the chaos. The structure of routines can make this time at least a little bit less chaotic.
- Routines make you feel more comfortable: Another thing about routines is they can be a source of comfort in a stressful time. When things get chaotic and crazy routines can provide familiarity and predictability. This familiarity can go a long way in keeping you calm.
- Routines help you get stuff done when it gets hard: This leads us into our last reason today for routines. Routines help you get things done when you don’t really feel like it. Like I said earlier; routines help cut down on decision making. If you set up routines and make them habits then you don’t have to think about it as much and things are still getting done.
Give Yourself a Break
Tip number two is to give yourself a break. You heard me right, a BREAK. I mean this in a couple of different ways. First, I mean to actually take a break. And I also mean to cut yourself some slack. Let me explain.
- Rest: Okay, okay. I know you’re thinking: “Uh, Jo, it’s December, have you seen my to-do list?” And you’re right, there is a lot to do this time of year. However, it is important to take a break and rest. If you push to hard trying to get things done, it makes it hard to exercise. It can also make it hard to eat healthy. It is important not to forget to rest and relax. It can be hard to relax in this the busiest time of year, but its so important.
- It’s okay to cheat a little: Now, lets talk about cutting yourself a little bit of slack. What I mean by this is that a small treat here and there is not necessarily bad. A small cheat may help you stay stronger in the long run. Sometimes if you say no to the tempting treats and keep saying no, you could end up crashing and burning. Instead of just one bite, you end up bingeing, and that is never good. The trick is to not let that small cheat become the rule instead of the exception, or to turn into a binge session. That’s where the problem comes in.
Plan Ahead
Tip number three is to plan ahead. You have to know where you’re going to go and what you’re going to do before you can move forward. Now, our plans may fall through, but we still need plans. It’s okay for plans to fall through or change, but you need a direction to go in.
- Planning makes it easier to carry through: If you already have a plan for a healthy supper and everything is ready, come 6:00pm it won’t be as hard to eat healthy. If the decision is already made it could even be the easiest choice to just go with the plan. You won’t have to spend time making a decision and getting things ready. You just get going with what’s already basically prepared.
- Plan for things to go wrong: Another thing you need to think about and plan for is when things go wrong. Because it is not a question of if but of when things will go wrong. What if that perfect supper we just talked about doesn’t pan out? What if you or someone else gets sick? There are so many things that could go wrong. Just thinking about what could go wrong and having the idea in your head that things could go wrong could be a big help, at least you won’t be completely blind sided.
Find New Traditions
Many celebrations center around food. And usually unhealthy food chocked full of sugar and empty calories. However, this is not necessarily the only way to celebrate. It may be a little more difficult, but you can look for new traditions that are a little more healthy.
- Find things that don’t involve food: You could look for traditions and ways to celebrate that do not include food. These could include crafts, games or outings. A family game or movie night or a drive to look at lights are very fun options that don’t involve food.
- Find healthier foods: Another option is to find healthier holiday foods to try. Or, even try healthier versions of your favorite foods. Instead of regular rolls, try whole wheat. Instead of putting a lot of milk and butter in the mashed potatoes, try just a little bit of butter. Remember moderation is key.
- Find more active traditions: More active traditions may also be a fun idea. You might could participate in a Santa 5k or be in a parade. You might try caroling or a nature walk. Or a game of football, soccer, kickball, or anything else.