The holidays are a time for being with family and being thankful for the things in your life. The holiday season brings out the best in everyone, and sometimes the worst. Before the holidays come around your diet might be going well and maybe you’ve been good about exercising. But then you see your favorite holiday dessert sitting on the counter and you can’t pass that up. You have a long weekend with the in-laws and that 3rd glass of wine isn’t going to drink itself. You could get back into the gym, but it’s cold outside and A Christmas Story is on. We have all been there. But staying in shape during the holidays is not as difficult as it’s made out to be, and if you have been putting in the work and effort to better yourself, there is no reason to throw it all down the drain in the name of holidays.
Tips For Staying in Shape During the Holidays
To avoid the many temptations you may face and to keep your diet on track, here are a few helpful tips for the holidays:
Do Not Consume Empty Calories
Stick to water and zero-calorie drinks during the holiday. You will be consuming enough calories during mealtime you don’t need to waste calories on a drink. When you do drink water, drink plenty of it. Water consumption is great for digestion and overall health. One of the biggest contributors to empty calories, so drink responsibly – it is important for your health and your safety.
Consume Food In Moderation
It’s okay to eat whatever you want, but only in moderation. A piece of pie or a cookie is okay to have, but just one slice or a few pieces, do not binge out and blow everything you’ve worked so hard for. That’s not to say it’s bad to over-indulge a little bit. Everyone needs to pig out at least once during the holidays. Just don’t make it a habit.
Make Time For Yourself
The holidays can be stressful and overwhelming. Find time to get away and go to the gym. It does not have to be a long workout, just find one hour out of the day and get a workout in. If you don’t feel like the gym, at least try to do some type of activity. Sledding, ice skating, and skiing are all great physical activities that you can do during the holidays. Make sure to have fun, but don’t let yourself become a couch potato. Exercise is proven to improve your mode and reduce stress, which you probably need this time of year.
Do Something Fun With Your Family After a Meal
You can always do these activities with loved ones and friends too. Make exercising fun with your family. After everyone is done eating, gather everyone up and go outside and play a game with all the kids. Personally, my family always has an “uncles” vs “cousins” basketball game every holiday. The uncles use to always win, but now that we are all getting older, the cousins are the reigning champs for the last two years. Don’t have a tradition yet? This is the year to start!
Do Not give in to Temptation
You have worked hard all year on your diet and exercise, don’t let the holiday season and temptations ruin everything for you. Trust me, you’ll regret it later.
Have a safe and happy holiday with your family, enjoy the time you get to spend with each and every one of them, but make smart, healthy decisions.
If you know someone that may over-indulge this holiday season and might be looking for a fresh start in 2020? An E’ville Fitness gym membership is a great gift! If you aren’t feeling that giving, send them in for a discounted New Year’s membership. We will give you a free month just for recommending them.
By: Ashley Newcombe, E’ville Fitness Staff
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