Not sure how you’re going to make it through the festive season without losing the plot with your nutrition and workouts?
Did you decide over the previous months to start whipping yourself into shape and now you’re driving yourself crazy with worry that you’re going to lose the results that you’ve been working so hard for.
Whatever your concern, it seems to be keeping you up at night wondering “what is the right thing to do by my program” and how will my “fight against gaining body fat” suffer while at the mercy of everything from family gatherings to office parties.
Believe me, the more you worry the worse off you’ll be. If you’re “umming and arrgghhing” as to what you should do then read through the following steps to help you survive Christmas without the festive season calorie blues.
1. DON’T DEPRIVE YOURSELF OF YOUR FAVOURITE FOODS!
Do you sit there at your family’s Christmas gathering with a miserable face watching everyone eating cheesy, creamy snacks, confectionery or other foods that are causing you to drool on the floor?
Do you ruin your own Christmas, and everyone else’s, due to you being grumpy and taking your frustration out on everyone else because all you have on your plate is a steamed sweet potato and some veggies whilst the rest of your friends and family are eating the most bountiful banquet you have ever laid eyes on?
Sound like you?
Christmas is only here once per year. So if you’ve been regularly consuming decent nutrition then don’t stress because enjoying some of your old favorites won’t ruin your efforts.
Just keep the following “holiday” tips in mind during the festive season so you can enjoy this quality time with your friends and family.
And, hey, let’s face it, even if you did gain a pound, at least you know that everyone isn’t complaining about your grouchy attitude saying: “what the heck was up what’s his/her name’s butt at Christmas dinner?”. 🙂
2. “I AM TOO FULL TO MOVE” – STOMACH PAINS
Hey, I am the first to admit that I don’t mind having a few extra spoonfuls when it comes to a Christmas banquet. It’s when you know you have had enough and you just keep on eating because it’s in front of you – you need to draw the line.
You are sitting there full to the brink swallowing hard to prevent yourself throwing up the meal you just consumed. You’re exhausted, numb and can’t even find the energy to talk because of your stomach feels like it’s going to burst.
You wish you’d worn draw string pants, because you desperately want to undo your zip or buttons, before they bust open.
The dishes build up in the kitchen because everyone’s so lethargic that they can’t bare to help with the cleaning up.
What was that? I can hear you giggling to yourself… Of course this sounds familiar because that’s what sooooooooo many people do.
You can still enjoy your meal but just divide your servings up having more smaller regular sized meals throughout the day rather than gorging yourself in one or two meals.
3. PLANNING AHEAD FOR YOUR DOWNFALLS for the festive season office party and New Years.
Other than there being copious amounts of alcohol with mixes and crazy cocktails that are jam packed full of calories.. the snacks that are often served at office bashes or new year’s parties are more than likely not designed for the person who wants to lose body fat. 😉
What’s worse, is you absolutely know that no matter what – you are not going to be able to say “NO” to any foods that are dripping in fat or loaded with sugar once you’re half pissed. So what do you do?
Eat before you attend your party. Have a meal, even a small quick meal, that contains a decent amount of lean protein and low GI carbs that will fill you up before you get there. Don’t forget to keep up with plenty of water to help keep you hydrated and help give you that feeling of being full.
Not only will all of this assist with the alcohol factor but will also help prevent you from behaving like a starving, ravenous maniac trying to chew off the hand of the person serving you the snack platter.
And if you’ve got some food in your tummy it’ll hopefully help you handle your grog a bit better… eg… you won’t find as many scary pics posted on facebook the next day. 🙂
4. DEALING WITH THE WELL MEANING FRIEND OR FAMILY MEMBER WHO FORCE FEEDS YOU!
Do you have a friend or family member who makes you feel rude if you don’t eat everything that’s put in front of you?
I know you know what I am talking about.
The good ol’ “go on one more.. it won’t hurt you”
“have another ladle full and put some meat on you, you are all skin and bones”
“I have been slaving in the kitchen for the past two days and I won’t stop badgering you until you eat three more”
What ever you do DON’T WHINE AND SAY “I AM TRYING TO WATCH MY DIET ETC” – because you will be hassled for the rest of the meal, or the whole day for that matter.
If you’re wanting to NOT go overboard, just be honest, but be positive about it. Tell them about how much progress you’ve made, the new results you’ve achieved. And get excited about it. Let them know your goals and that you’d love it if they supported you with your efforts. And that it’d really mean a lot to you.
5. YOUR FESTIVE SEASON WORKOUT
If you’re able to include some physical activity / exercise in your day to help burn off the extra calories that’s awesome… (You can also check-out my freebie Calorie Burning Holiday Workout here… )
But what if you’re stuck for time, AND you don’t want to appear rude by leaving to go squeeze your workout in?
No worries at all… here’s some excuses for you to get active:
“How about I give you all some time out from the children and I will take them for a walk to the park” “Or play in the backyard”
WARNING: Believe me if you’re game enough to look after a group of kids on Christmas day, hyped up on junk food and confectionery – then good luck to you. 🙂 I can virtually guarantee that you will lose calories and maybe your sanity too. 🙂
But just remember not to exercise directly after your meal. Let your food settle first.
MOST IMPORTANTLY!!
ENJOY YOURSELF!
This is one time of the year when you should be able to let your hair down and really enjoy the holiday season. Simply do the best you can with your eating and workouts and don’t come down on yourself if you eat a few extra treats. Just get back on track the next day…
Don’t make your holiday season goals over-restrictive and unrealistic – this time of the year is crazy enough, without putting extra pressure on yourself. Instead focus on taking pleasure in spending time with your family and friends…
Have a great Christmas and best wishes for the New Year!
Take care
Kind regards
Yours in fun, health and fitness
© Mandy Gibbons
Virtual Fitness Trainer
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