How To Maintain Your Results During the Holidays
Earlier this month I talked to you about the importance of giving your body a reset. Whether you’re ready to take on your reset before or after the holidays, these tips will help you stick to your meal plan and maintain your progress instead of splurging on all of the winter treats!
Enjoy Your Favorite Foods: Yup! Tip number one is to actually enjoy your favorite foods. Don’t get so much anxiety over your goals, macros, and budgeted foods that you forget to enjoy the holiday season! Plan ahead in order to fit in your favorite holiday foods - when you’re not partaking in a celebration, stay as closely as you can to your meal plan. Cutting out the occasional treats you may sneak in will allow you to splurge during the times when it matters most without the guilt!
Holiday-Proof Your Plan: Odds are you won’t be in control of what food is offered at holiday parties & events, so you need to create ways to stay aligned with your eating plan. Some things you can do to help are eat as close as possible to normal times, avoid skipping meals, and don’t eat all of your carbs during the meal so you have some left for dessert. Also, you can offer to bring a healthy dish so you know at least something at the gathering will be healthy!
Outsmart the Buffet: Buffets can be loaded with carb heavy, fried, and fattening dishes. To stay on track, take a smaller plate and focus on your few favorite foods then sit down. Start your meal with vegetables to control your appetite and eat slowly so you know when you’re truly full.
Stay Active: With your to-do list and social calendar exploding, it’s very easy to have your gym routine and daily movement hit the bottom of your priority list. But being active can help your body recover from over-eating, reduce stress, keep you mentally focused, and even make you happier. If you can’t fit in gym time like you normally do, try to take a walk after a holiday meal, park a few extra spots away, and take the stairs instead of the elevator. Every step matters!
Stay Hydrated: With delicious holiday beverages on the menu, it’s easy to forget to get adequate amounts of water each day. Aim for half of your body weight in ounces per day to keep yourself hydrated! Another pro tip: to prevent hangovers while getting your hydration in, alternate a glass of water with every alcoholic beverage you order.
Get Some Sleep: When you’re sleep deprived, your body will actual crave foods high in fats & sugar because it wants the instant gratification and energy boost it receives from those items. To prevent mindless snacking, aim for 8 hours of quality shut eye each night.
I hope these tips will help you through the home stretch of holiday festivities! I’ll be back in January with tips and tricks to help you start the New Year off on the right foot!