That cheer, my friends, is called the holidays. With Thanksgiving now less than two weeks away, the holiday season is in full swing, with all the blow-up Pilgrims, waving Santas, twinkling lights, and sweet confections you can dream of.
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The problem is, when you're counting down to a wedding or even just trying to get into shape, just looking at a delicious display like the one above seems to add inches to your waistline or, at best, stall your progress indefinitely. Even more, schedules packed with dinners, holiday parties, and parades leave little time for a trip to the gym.
So just how do you enjoy the holidays - and all the "fixins" - without derailing your diet & fitness efforts?
Here are a few tips we've compiled from across the web to help you stay on track:
1) Keep your eye on the prize. You know what your goals are, and only you are responsible for keeping to them. When you eye the dessert table at your next party, think about your goal, and whether you're willing or able to work that much harder the next day to atone for your dietary sins. Ultimately, your success is in your hands; don't let yourself get distracted by the shiny icing.
2) Be realistic. Holiday plans have a way of demolishing normal schedules. As you plan out your week, be honest with yourself. Will you have time for the leisurely 2-hour cardio workout you're used to? Probably not. And you may have to eat on the road as you jet between work and an event. Think about how to handle those bumps in light of your goals. Find a healthy fast food place on the way or pack a quick dinner to grab on the go, and find ways to maximize your training efficiency.
3) Switch to high-impact cardio workouts you can do in a shorter amount of time. With just 10 minutes at the start of every day, you can do a quick, effective exercise routine using equipment that's easy to keep around: a jump rope, a bike, your running shoes, or even just your own body. Push yourself throughout the full 10 minutes; you don't have time to slack off! For a few get-fit-fast routines to fit your schedule, check out this list from Fitness Magazine: 10-Minute Workouts.
4) Plan active time with family and friends. Rather than sitting down and eating cookies together, get out and get your hearts pumping! Build up your appetite for turkey with a pre-Thanksgiving dinner football game. Take a walk through the woods to enjoy the brisk air and the fall colors. Bundle up and head outside for some kid-like fun in the snow: build a snowman, sled down a hill, or have a snow-ball fight with the neighbors.
5) Drink a LOT of water. Many people eat when they're dehydrated, and you may find yourself nibbling on whatever is available, including those decadent desserts, if you're not getting enough water. Plus, if you drink a glass of water before a meal or party, you're less likely to overeat. Keep a tally of your water consumption, aiming for eight 8-oz glasses every day, using an online tracker like www.sparkpeople.com.
6) Load up on the good stuff. At holiday parties and meals, fill your plate with fruits, veggies, and low-calorie meats and eat them first. When you fill up on the good stuff, you leave less room for the high-calorie, low-value delights. You'll still be able to enjoy a bite or two, but you'll make ensure that you've gotten what you need in the meantime.
6) Enjoy - in moderation. One of the best things about being in love is the ability to share food (you know it's true). So if you must have dessert, split it with your honey - or just sneak a couple of bites from him (trust us, it's okay). Aim for lower-calorie cocktails like a Vodka Soda or a Hot Toddy, rather than a Cosmo or a Kahlua-Infused Hot Chocolate. Allow yourself a couple of bites of calorie-rich delights, but stop there, enjoying what you have without going overboard.
If you follow these suggestions, you'll breeze through the holidays and arrive on January 1st with one resolution already marked off your list for the new year.
Stay happy, stay healthy, and stay LUXE!
Luxe Luv,
XOXO
Sources: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
