Most of us know exactly what our schedule is going to be like over the holiday period. This leaves us with NO excuses for not being able to get to the gym, although sometimes we honestly just cannot help missing a workout. Remember “If you fail to prepare, then you prepare to fail.” Bring some exercise bands if visiting family; these can be a great alternative to weights for your resistance training.
2. Set Fitness Goals Over The Holidays
Having written goals is always a great motivational tool. Every time you read your goals, you will be reminded to stay focused and get to the gym. They can be simple goals such as playing ball each day or going for a walk. You don’t have to train like a pro athlete (unless of course you are one.)
3. If You Fall Off The Plan, Simply Start Over
Get in your gym workouts whenever possible; one workout is better than none. If you miss a scheduled workout, simply get it in the next day. Don’t stress and give up on the rest of your week. We’ve all been there, and our physiques have suffered because of it.
4. Get In Quality Active Time With Family & Friends
Walks in the park or to the shops are great ways to stay active without really trying. Or even something more active, such as a game of football or rugby. These are always great ways to sneak in a cardio session.
5. Maintain A Consistent Eating Schedule
As we all know, eating regularly aids in keeping our metabolisms firing on all cylinders. If we keep getting our meals in every 2.5 to 3 hours, we are one step closer to staying in shape.
6. The Size of Meal Portions vs. Workouts
Almost everybody overeats come the holidays. Keeping the portions to a healthy level will allow you to get in that good home cooked food, while also keeping the carb and fat content to a minimum. But again, we have to keep it real here people; you might live in a different state from your parents and be craving their food. I for one want to go home to Ireland and have some of my Dad’s steak and chips and my grandfather’s apple pie! The secret here if you are going to eat it, get out and train it off.
7. Make The Best Choice As Often As Possible
When given a choice of a dish, which is more often than not the case around the holidays, always choose the healthier option, but never go without. Again, it's the holidays! The less fried and buttered food you consume, the better off you will be come January 2nd. Alternatively you could choose to fry with vegetable oil and use non-fat butter substitutes in your spuds – that’s potatoes for all you Americans. This will allow you to enjoy the food and the side effects.
8. Enjoy Drinks In Moderation
If you are going to consume alcohol, choose wisely. Drink light, low-carb beers and if you like spirits with mixers, use diet sodas and juices, this will greatly reduce the amount of calories you are getting in without spoiling your fun nights with the family and friends. And remember don’t overdo it, your drunken video may find its way to YouTube and Facebook.
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