Navigating a Healthy Holiday
The holidays can be a time of friends and family, late nights and stress, food (oh the food) and alcohol. Often it is a time when our health and fitness goals get put on the shelf to be picked up again in January. It doesn’t have to be that way.You can stay on track, you do not have to start the new year feeling behind in your goals. Here are 5 tips to help you navigate your holiday season.
Tip 1: Remember Your WHY.
Every goal has a why behind it, the reason you set the goal, how you want to feel when you accomplish the goal. Remembering your WHY will help you stay motivated when temptations arise to skip a workout or eat an extra dessert.
Tip 2: Stay Consistent.
The best method to achieving goals is consistency. Put your workouts in your calendar and honor those commitments to yourself. If you can’t get to the gym, ask your coach for ideas of an at home workout or go for a power walk with a friend. Get 30-60 minutes of movement most days.
Tip 3: Plan Ahead.
A goal without a plan is just a wish. Plan out your meals ahead of time, plan out your grocery shopping so you have the ingredients for those healthy meals. Plan your snacks so you are not tempted by the gas station or airport fare. Pack some RX bars, fruit, nuts, meat sticks. These will sustain you and you will be able to make better decisions to stay on track.
Tip 4: Remember the Plate Method.
Whether you are eating at home, a friend’s house or at a restaurant, aim to fill half your plate with non-starch veggies, a quarter of your plate with protein and a quarter of your plate with starch. Add a little healthy fat and you have a meal that will satisfy but not leave you feeling stuffed.
Tip 5: Stay Mindful.
This is a season of treats. Don’t tell yourself you can’t have them, just choose which ones you will enjoy the most. Perhaps there is a special dessert that your family only makes this time of the year, have a piece, enjoy every bite, and then move on. Consciously deciding which treats are worth it makes it easier to stay on track and say no to things that just end up being empty calories.
You can stay on track and move forward in your health and fitness goals even during the holiday season. Let us support you and help you stay accountable and finish this year strong.
Email EJ@fit2livegym.com to keep you on track and accountable during the holiday season.
