Stay fit, have fun, and enjoy the time with family and friends!
Embrace Holiday Cheer with Mindful Eating
1. Start Your Day Strong: I always begin my day with a workout. It’s not just about burning calories; it sets a positive tone, making me more likely to make healthful choices throughout the day. Plus, it’s an excellent way to manage any holiday stress. Exercise becomes a choice, not a chore.
2. Savor the Feast, Skip the Excess: I take great pleasure in the holiday meals, but I approach them mindfully. For me, it’s more about the company and the moment than the food. I enjoy the social aspect without overindulging in snacks or second helpings.
3. Portion Power: My strategy involves starting with small portions of my favorite dishes and sticking to one plate of food, focusing mainly on protein. I don’t usually indulge in pre-dinner snacks, and towards the end, I might “splurge” on a bit more stuffing and gravy. Often, a little taste is all it takes to be satisfied.
4. Plan Your Indulgences: I decide on specific days to enjoy desserts and treats and adhere strictly to this plan. It’s about disciplined enjoyment, not deprivation, allowing me to savor my favorite holiday treats without regrets.
5. Hydrate Generously: I drink plenty of water, especially before meals. With the abundance of food, particularly sodium-rich ones, staying hydrated is essential. Water helps prevent bloating, keeps me full, and aids recovery.
Fitness Amidst the Festivities
Maintain the Momentum: It’s easy to slip into a break mode, especially with the chilly, cozy winter days and the upcoming busy holiday dates. Even 20 minutes of exercise a day can do wonders to maintain the fitness gains you’ve worked so hard for.
Boot Camp Burn-Off: A Fun Perspective
Ever wonder how our boot camp sessions can offset holiday indulgences? Here’s a playful look:
· One medium slice of panettone? One boot camp.
· A serving of pie or pastry? One boot camp.
· A full plate of holiday dinner? Two boot camps.
· A handful of snacks or desserts? One to two boot camp sessions.
· Fruit and cheese or two glasses of wine? One to two boot camp sessions.
Remember, this is just for fun and to give you a perspective on energy balance!
Food for Thought
A typical holiday feast might tally up an extra 3,000 calories, equivalent to five to nine hours of training. Multiple family gatherings? That number could double or triple. If you’re not exercising, you might be facing ten to twenty hours of exercise to burn off the extra indulgences. Stay active! Most people don’t shed their holiday weight gain, so keep in mind that moderation and activity are keys to enjoying the festivities without unwelcome extra pounds.
Your Holiday Mantra
This holiday season, let’s focus on what truly matters – health, happiness, and our community. Let’s enjoy the feasts and cherish the moments, the workouts, and the victories, no matter the size. We aim to end the year feeling strong, fulfilled, and eager to welcome an amazing new year.
