OK, so you’re getting a bit nervous that you’re starting to pack on the holiday pounds. That extra glass of champers at the office holiday party last night probably didn’t help and when Mom’s cookies arrived in the mail this morning, you were instantly nervous about how to stay on track. First of all – it’s OK! The holiday challenge happens to everyone – so many temptations, everything is so festive and fun – being the Grinch is just not your style. So, here’s the thing. You can still enjoy the holidays – have as much fun as the rest of your crew, but approach it with your health in mind. Here’s a look at 10 ways to avoid the holiday pounds and cheers to waking up in 2015 feeling fit and fabulous!
- Change your relationship with the scale. Rather than giving yourself the daily check-in, try weighing yourself just twice a week between now and the end of the holiday season. This way, you’re still staying true, but you aren’t torturing yourself after each indulgence. Weigh yourself on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning for the most accurate results.
- Indulge in a few things, but not everything. There’s going to be some delicious treats around during the holidays – so be picky about what you taste. If you’re on the fence about something, skip it, but if there’s something you really want to taste – go for it!
- Make early morning exercise your go-to every day. Get motivated each morning by jumping out of bed, getting the blood pumping and burning the calories from last night’s soiree. You’ll feel SO much better!
- Use self-control to manage all the temptations. You are strong and you do have the ability to say no – so stick to your plan, even when you’re being pressured. Besides, when the office candy rolls around, do you really need fudge in the middle of the day?
- Maintain your healthy diet all day long. Even if you’re headed to a party that night, the last thing you should do is starve all day. That’s a recipe for over indulgence at night. Stay satiated all day long like you normally would.
- Walk. Walk. Walk. Don’t have time to get your regular workout in because of all the holiday demands? Walk at lunch. Park far away from the office – and walk. Take the stairs. Whatever you can do to keep moving – go for it.
- Try having a bite, rather than the whole item. Want to taste something chocolate or is some tempting pie staring at you? Just have a taste and move on.
- Indulge in loads of water and lemon water all day long. Staying hydrated will not only keep you at your best, it will also keep you feeling full. Add a little lemon and your well on your way to flushing out all the indulgences of the night before.
- Exchange the nightly party cocktail for a sparkling water and a slice of lime. You don’t always have to have a cocktail just because everyone else is. And, you’ll be the envy of the office when you still feel great the next day.
- Have fun! It’s the holidays after-all, so loading up on guilt isn’t going to make you feel any better. Over-indulged the night before? Work out twice as hard the next day at the gym. Remember: you got this.
What do you think? Can you make it through the holidays still feeling great?
