12.08.2014

Holiday Fit Tips

In the colder months it's always hard to stay on top of clean eating and fitness. Besides no one can see how you look under layers upon layers of clothing. In the Winter we can cover up with bulky sweaters, loose fitting long sleeves and jackets. On top of this there is a constant reminder everywhere you go about how it's the Holiday's and special treats are here. For all those Starbucks lovers out there- you know this feeling. New pretty red cups, new drinks that are "limited" and hey...it's the holiday's so why not enjoy it right?

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Better yet..let's add a contest. If you can get through this Holiday Star Dash, you'll get a gift card...

*google images*

Let's top that off with an amazing contest for Free Starbucks For A Year....nope.. FOR LIFE!

*google images*


But what happens when you are 12 latte's deep, one step closer to that e-gift card, and one entry more to the life supply? You might end up like this...

*google images*

Keep in mind, Starbucks is probably the least of your worries. There is holiday parties, dinners, and all kinds of goodies coming into the office. So what exactly can you do to make sure you aren't repeating that e-card after New Years? 


Create A Challenge

If you are competitive like me then creating a challenge is perfect for you. Currently I'm competing with a friend to see who can get better results by Christmas. This started back in September, but you can still start one now. The trick is make to make sure whoever you are challenging is going to be accountable- even if it is just yourself. Better yet, jump on to those social media sites and challenge yourself with the support of people all over the world. 

Cheat...

Cheat meals are OKAY! Please realize that I said MEAL and not day. It's important that you don't cheat all day, but instead have one full cheat meal. For me I make my cheat meals dinner. This way I can have anything I want plus one small dessert. Since it's at the end of the day I'm not inclined to eat bad all day. Cheat meals are actually good for you and do the body some good, specially if you are only doing this once a week. The trick: Plan your cheat meals for those important dinners and parties. You'll enjoy yourself a lot more. You can also get some clean eating dessert recipes and make those for potluck parties. You can eat your own dessert- guilt free! 

Limit Yourself

The one way I stay healthy during the holiday's is to make sure that I don't deprive myself. Instead I use self-control (incredible self-control that sometimes fails) to limit my holiday food intake. For example: At work when tons of baked goods come in and everyone is enjoying them, the last thing I say is "I can't, that's too fattening." Instead, I look at the options and pick one. No one in the office bugs me and I enjoy that baked good so much more because I know it's all I get. 

Work Out

You are probably telling yourself right now that my next point is going to be "WORK OUT HARDER"- but you are wrong. I know it's hard to squeeze in gym days over the holiday's. We spend too much time preparing ourselves for the parties and wrapping presents. Instead, if you can't make it to the gym do some at homework outs.  There are plenty of amazing social media fitness guru's who will take you through the sweat of a life time at home. You have to remember that even though it is the holiday's you need to take time for you. So take that time to work out- even if it is just twenty minutes of abs and jumping jacks! Oh yeah...and all that extra walking you do for shopping still counts as cardio....but not all of it.

Be Prepared

This is probably the biggest one that I have learned. When I go to work or out with friends I always make sure I have my food. If I have enough food for the meals I know I need to eat, I don't feel pressured to eat the goodies. Usually if I don't have food, I just fill up on the goodies and at least I ate and maybe saved some money. This season I always make sure I have my meals with me. I even bring my after dinner snack with me if I'm going out for coffee just incase I get hungry. Either way, don't ever substitute your clean eats for goodies if it's not your cheat meal.  Keep yourself prepared and it will be less likely to happen. 

Enjoy

No matter what you eat or drink this holiday season, make sure you are enjoying it. Yes you should continue to make healthy decisions, but don't turn down those mashed potatoes at your in-laws dinner just because you think they may have put a pound of butter in them. Savour them instead. 

What are your Holiday Fit Tips that help you get through the season?