Sticking with your fitness regimen during the holidays can be super tough. There’s so much going on that getting to the gym or taking time to workout almost seems impossible. To make it even worse, if eating healthy is a top priority there are tempting treats everywhere that can destroy your plans. The holidays can also create stress, which makes you want to grab those treats even more. There are ways to stay
Get the group to pitch in.
You need to find a way to ensure you have time to workout and that takes help. Create a list of everything that needs to be done, and then get the family to pitch in. If you’re normally the person that handles all the details, it’s time to change that. List all the things you need done and find out if the family really wants to maintain that tradition. Maybe some won’t care if the lights are on the outside of the house, but really hate to give up your holiday pastry. If they want the special pastry, get them to help you make it. Not only will they learn how to carry on the tradition, it will get done in less time. You don’t have to do it all alone. Teamwork takes the stress out and can make it fun.
Traditions had to start somewhere.
Have you ever considered having a healthy holiday. I have a client that started a new family tradition. Each person brings a sweet treat that’s healthy and a healthy dish. The family goes for a walk after dinner, too. Everyone loves the chance to create a dessert that’s healthy. She even created one that has no sugar or sweeteners outside of dried fruit. You don’t have to go that far, simply changing some of the fare can make it a healthier meal.
Plan ahead.
Carve out time in your schedule to workout, even if it’s early in the morning. Don’t let fate decide whether you’ll have time to go to the gym or not. It’s an appointment you must keep. It will keep your energy level high so you can accomplish even more. Plan meals ahead and have healthy snacks ready in the refrigerator for quick snacks or an easy meal.
- Don’t try to be everything for everybody. Take time for yourself to just relax. Whether it’s taking a nap, a bubble bath or just sitting in a quiet room, carve out some “me” time.
- Remember, exercise is a stress buster. It can be the perfect way to get rid of the holiday stress and feel good again.
- If you worry about overeating at parties, don’t skip meals before you go to save calories. Instead, fill up at home on low calorie foods so you won’t be as tempted to overeat. Eating slowly also helps.
- You can give yourself a pass when it comes to special holiday meals. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can never have foods you love. It just means you don’t eat them as often and watch portion control.