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?

*google images*

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?

Tips For Beginners At The Gym

So you finally joined a gym...

Congratulations, you just made the best decision ever.

Before I get into some tips, I just wanted to say that I've been through all of this myself and watched others go through it. Joining a gym can be extremely intimidating. Over the past week I've heard people talking in the change room about how some days they come in and walk back out because they get scared. CONFIDENCE is key here, but it's hard to build. You must remember that everyone is there to accomplish a goal just like you. Even now, years later I still get intimidated. But I just find my own place, turn on my music and completely zone out. 

-321 squats later-

TAKE IT EASY

If you are just starting out, don't over do it. Plan to go a couple times a week not 5-6. Work your way up to being able to handle more. Your body has to heal after each workout, so make sure you are tuned in to what your body is telling you. Start small and work your way up. If you injure yourself, you are going to set yourself back from your goal. 

IT'S NOT A RUNWAY

When you are first starting PLEASE don't go around thinking you should be wearing all the skimpy tank tops, cut offs and leggings. There are a ton of people who go to the gym JUST to wear those clothes- they likely have no idea what they are doing. Wear what you are comfortable in and something you won't be fiddling with. The last thing you want to worry about at the gym is if your ass is hanging out (see below).

credit: google images

DON'T BE A CARDIO BUNNY! 

Some people hate cardio, but some people LOVE cardio. Please just don't buy a gym membership to run on the treadmill... It won't do anything for you. Indulge in cardio, but switch it up as much as possible.

I recommend doing a 5-10 minute warm up on a bike or tread mill before lifting. If you are trying to lose weight then 20-30 minutes more after your training.

LIFT THINGS UP & PUT THEM DOWN

- your new best friends- it's okay to hoard them-

It's huge myth that if you are a girl and you lift something heavy and put it back down you will look like a man. WRONG! Weight lifting burns calories and depletes your energy. So when you put your bunny ears on after, you should be tapping into your secondary source of energy- BODY FAT. Biggest pet peeve- people who pick up the biggest weight possible, just to drop it back to the floor. So don't do that. It'll only make you look ridiculous.

FORM FORM FORM

I can't say this enough. If you can't get your form right, you aren't doing anything. In fact you will likely hurt yourself. Google up images of the exercise you are trying to do and watch some videos. Practice the form in your bedroom in front of a mirror to save yourself some embarrassment at that gym. 

**I was trying to find a picture for here- but just click here **

RESEARCH

Talk to other people you know, connect with bloggers and read what you can about how to achieve your goals. Make sure you stay away from information regarding "weight loss pills" and anything that suggests rapid weight loss or "miracles". Losing weight to keep it off happens at a slow rate (about 1-2lbs per week). But the more you talk to others, the more it will benefit you. 

MAKE GOALS

You probably already have an idea of your big goal- if you don't...get one. Keep your big goal in mind, but give yourself smaller targets. Make a monthly goal and weekly goals. These will help keep you on track for your big goal and will give you a sense of accomplishment. 

CHALLENGE YOURSELF

Every work out challenge yourself. Push your self to do one more minute of cardio, one more set of weights, one more rep, or a new exercise. If you aren't throwing up or passed out, you can do it! 

MAKE IT FUN

Most importantly you need to make working out fun and you need to enjoy it. There will be days that it won't feel fun, but make it fun. Bring a friend, change up your Ipod or just remember that end goal. 

- bouncy fun in between ab sets -

The fitness lifestyle has so much to offer. There is a lot to learn, but I will make sure to post more details about how I overcame the intimidation and gained my confidence to be at the gym. I will support you all in the best way that I can. 

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments below or my email if you want to keep it personal.