It happens every year. You eat healthy and stick to your fitness regime from January to November. Then, December comes and all your efforts go to waste. You succumb to gooey chocolate goodness at Christmas, park your derriere in front of a holiday TV show, and pack on a ton of fat.
December indulgences can lead to January regrets
Nobody is saying that you can’t have those cookie cakes or that you have to forget your night with Charlie Brown and his sad little tree. By following a few pointers, you can have fun and stay fit.
1. Register a Fitness Friend.
Okay. Santa Claus–or the God Abandoned Elf on the Shelf–is not allowed to supervise adults. However, your holiday fitness buddy can hold you accountable for all the hours spent watching My own house number one, two and so on, while devouring a bag of Hershey Kisses. Choose a friend who will silence your protests – even if they involve kicking and screaming – and drag you to the gym or for a walk around the block.
2. Leave your house
As the mercury dips below zero and it’s dark before the credits roll Dr, tempted to become a hermit. Bad idea. Your house is full of food and soft couches. Instead, consider embracing the snow-white outdoors. Try winter sports. Take up a new hobby. And take advantage of the daylight with a pleasant winter walk.
3. Be chintzy with your cheats
Yes, you can have Camembert on your favorite cracker and stay fit. The trick is having the taste – not the truckload. Choose your food wisely. Try to fill up on healthy foods like vegetables and fruits before You meander your way through a series of artery-clogging appetizers. And, if possible, skip dessert.
4. Drink excess water, ie.
Water is your best ally when it comes to fighting the expanding waistline. It will keep you feeling full longer and is a calorie-free substitute for soda and juice. Alcohol, on the other hand, is full of empty calories. Plus, the more you drink, the more likely you are to try to “absorb” some of the booze with food. Yes, a seemingly harmless cocktail can lead to a calorie disaster.
5. Rub your bicuspid
Nothing beats the feeling of minty breath and running your tongue along smooth chompers. Who wants to ruin a moment with food? Yes, brushing your teeth right after eating will help you fight the urge to snack.
6. Go the extra mile
December is definitely not the time to ditch your exercise routine. Instead, choose to extend it. Extend your run. Add extra sets to your workout routine. Forget the elevator and take the stairs. Move a piece exercise equipment somewhere in front of your TV. Remember that calories can double during the holidays, so you have to work extra hard to burn them off.
7. Family Affairs
It’s often said that “misery loves company,” so why not recruit your family in on your fitness spree? Throw on a snowsuit and build a snowman guild or have a good old-fashioned snowball fight. Put on some snowshoes and venture into places no one has explored before. Or relive the beautiful summer days at your local wave pool. Not only will your body thank you, but you’ll also enjoy some great family time.
With a little persistence, you can avoid the horrors of giant hips and stay healthy. So, enjoy that piece of fruitcake—yes, the words “enjoy” and “fruitcake” can be found in the same sentence. And enjoy a festive and fit holiday.
How do you maintain your figure during the holidays?
