Whether you busted your butt all year long in the gym, or all year long your butt has been busting out of your pants, you need a Holiday Fitness Survival Plan to get you through the weeks of festivities. After all, however far you drop off now is that much more work you are going to do starting January 1.
But let’s be realistic…chances are you will partake in more than the usual amount of get-togethers and you will be faced with a plethora of festive, calorie-laden temptations. Here are some common (and not so common) strategies on how you can get through the season without punching another hole in your belt…
1) Eat BEFORE you go to an event.
You already know what is going to be there…tons of deep fried meat-like things, pastries disguised as healthy (’oh, it had a green garnish, I guess it’s healthy’), desserts, and many other justifications-on-a-plate. The last thing you want to do is show up hungry and knock people over on your way to the buffet. If you are satiated ahead of time, you’ll be less likely to impress the crowd with your ability to eat 27 chicken wings.
2) If you are going to drink, nurse one alcoholic drink as long as you can.
‘Polite’ hosts (and frat boys) will be trying to fill up your drink every time it gets low. Take your time sipping so you have less temptation as some people just seem to have a hard time saying ‘no’ (but not you of course, you pillar of strength).
3) Load up the veggies.
Notice it said veggies, and NOT veggies & dip. They’re low in calories, good fer ya’ and you probably don’t eat enough of them anyway.
4) Alternate drinks.
No, that does not mean one scotch, one wine, one scotch, one wine…It means have a glass of water or Pellegrino before and after each alcoholic drink.
5) DO NOT skip your workouts.
Try to find a way to increase them (perhaps an unlimited boot camp for Dec for $127!?! (www.PeakFitnessBootCamp.ca). It will burn the extra calories you are consuming and decrease the potential downhill slide.
6) Enjoy without overindulging.
Go ahead…live a little. Get a SMALL plate and indulge on the things you really want. If you have a favourite or two, enjoy it. Just make sure it’s not a free-for-all.
7) Be more strict on your non party days.
Self-explanatory.
8.) Change your mindest.
The justification of ‘it’s just that time of year and that’s the way it is’ is self-delusion and a convenient excuse. You have a choice, everyday, every party, and you completely control the outcome.
It’s your choice to heed the above options or you can ignore it at your own peril. However if you do choose to sail through the holidays like a pre-diabetic at the Texas State Fair, our doors are always open to you.
Just make the cheques payable to Peak Fitness Management.
Yours in health,
Cord
