Yes! Bring on all the Holliday cheer that surrounds us in November and December! However, let’s not bring on the average 5-10 extra pounds everyone gains. Ever wonder why we go on diets in January? You guessed it. It’s not just to get ready for beach season. It’s also to lose the “ugh” we gained during the holidays. Check out these helpful tips when it comes to your nutrition, workouts and, of course, relaxation. We all need a good nap post party, right??
Nutrition
I know these months are full of festivities, and they all revolve around food and drink. Follow these tips to stay lean and enjoy your parties.
Most importantly – stay hydrated! Drink 8oz. of water when you wake up, before you go to bed and before all meals. Add more as needed, especially if you work out or go on a gift shopping marathon. Hydration will keep you feeling better and help you resist grabbing all the junky snacks while shopping.
Focus daily on Protein, Fat, Fiber and Greens. When your meals encompass all four of these categories, you will stay fuller, keep your blood sugar balanced and get the nutrients you need. When it comes to carbohydrates, think of one ingredient: rice, potatoes, beans or legumes.
On party day, don’t skip meals! If you are going to a party in the evening, have your regular breakfast, lunch and a small snack before the party. You don’t want to go to any event super hungry. This will definitely lead to overeating, and worse, it may upset your stomach, which can cause bloating or gas. At the party, pick your favorites! Choose the dishes you enjoy most. Put them on your plate and then walk away from the food tables. You are 25% more likely to keep eating when full if you stand next to the goodies.
The day after the party – focus on your Protein, Fat, Fiber and Greens; sleep in if you can. And get some movement going.
Workouts
Yes! You are busier than ever, but it’s still important to keep moving. It’s beneficial for your heart, muscles, bones and your waistline. The key to working out over the holidays is to choose workouts that are short, effective and can go anywhere with you.
Here are several options, and a reminder:
Walk the hills! A brisk outdoor walk is good for your lungs, heart and your core. Try to walk slightly faster than normal. This form of exercise can travel anywhere with you.
Got a bit more time? Add these moves for the full body workout:
- 10-15 push-ups (knees or toes)
- 10-15 squats
- 10-15 jumps (great for your bones!)
Have still a little more time? Add these exercises:
- 10-15 chair dips
- 10-15 stationary lunges (on each side)
- 15-20 crunches
And the tip you already know? When shopping, park in the spot farthest from the door. Use the extra five to ten minutes you’d spend circling the parking lot to get a walk in. If you have lots of shopping to do, make multiple trips back to the car to drop off your bags and you’ve got your shopping and workout done!
Relaxation
Sleep is key when life gets busier. Always aim for more than six hours. When time allows, go for the full eight. In addition to sleep, there are a few other ways you can relax and enjoy the season.
Treat yourself! Meet up with friends or someone special. Sit back, put your phone away and be truly present. This will allow you to decompress and escape the busy.
Pamper yourself! You can do this with a trip to the spa. If you’re trying to avoid spending money, try these tips for a spa night at home.
- Run a bath with 1-2 cups of plain Epsom salt. You can also add several drops of your favorite essential oils. Try lavender and eucalyptus.
- Light a few candles.
- Grab your favorite drink. I recommend an herbal tea or a sparkling water in a fancy cup.
- Put on some soft music.
- Enjoy!
With a little extra focus on your nutrition, workouts, and relaxation during the holiday season, you can fully embrace the days of celebration and save those extra 10 pounds for the turkey, not your waistline!
