Christmas is around the corner and we all know what it means – food, drink and some quality time with friends and family (depending on COVID-19 restrictions in your region).
This is one of the few times a year were we tend to overindulge with healthy eating out the window – pretty sure most of us do this. It's the 'calories don't count' period, leaving worries about diets and fitness up to the new year. And it’s a very ok thing to do (in moderation of course). There’s nothing wrong with treating holidays like they’re one long extended cheat day – you deserve it after the year everybody has gone through. Also, there’s so much temptation around you that resisting it is very likely to just stress you out. So here are a few tips on how to actually enjoy Christmas without feeling guilty (and also without completely ruining your health and all the fitness benefits you've gained in the year).
- If you see something on the menu that you want, eat it
- Don’t refuse a cocktail day out with your friends and the company because positive energy is all you need right now
- Sneak in an extra snack, a guilty pleasure, every few days, the world won’t end, we promise
- Refuse to feel guilty (intentionally remind yourself that you've earned this)
The thing is, the holidays will be over quicker than they started, so you’ll have to settle back into your routine and normalcy anyway. That little bit of excess won’t be detrimental to your health goals, and you’ll probably find yourself looking back at everything you refused during the holidays as a missed opportunity.
Make the holiday season your biggest ‘cheat’, and come back more determined to kill your goals and stick to your resolutions.
Finally, what would this blog post be without us keeping you in mind. You’re a healthy, active person who wants to let loose but still wants to stick to the plan. Here are a few ways to keep things healthy-ish, while still enjoying yourself:
- Stay focused on the size of your portions, which allows you to indulge, but not overindulge
- Choose foods that taste great and are healthy: there are so many, sweet potatoes, salmon, nuts, and spinach are just some foods that are great for you that you can eat for days
- Everything in moderation. You already know how to restrict yourself, so just apply those principles to moderating how much alcohol you drink, or the amount of unhealthy foods you eat
- Again, don't feel guilty! Guilty amounts to stress, and stress, well, means that you may eat to cope. Living stress-free will have you looking and feeling great
The fact is, you’ll soon be back in the gym daily and back to your usual nutritional plan. The holidays are simply a time to enjoy life, so do what feels right to you, but don't miss out because you stick with that restrictive mindset you’ve had all year.
Happy Holidays from us to you and your loved ones. Stay safe...
