Don't Let Holidays Distract You From Your Fitness Goals
It's the most wonderful time of the Year! We get to spend time with family and friends, eat delectable food, and enjoy the season. However, it's also a time of year when stress levels can rise and our usual workout routines might be disrupted by hectic schedules. How do you maintain a healthy diet and fitness routine over the holiday season?
With the Christmas season's excitement, it's tempting to forget your fitness goals until the new year. This blog will offer some practical advice for sustaining your dedication to good behaviors in the face of time constraints and maybe rising stress levels.
Here are eight resources to assist you in managing the forthcoming Thanksgiving feast and holiday.
Consume the food, but don't eat it all. Eat one meal, usually consisting of protein-rich foods like turkey, fish, lean beef, and pig, along with veggies and "good" carbs (sweet potato, mashed potatoes, rice).
To garnish, add small portions of your vices (if you can, and if doing so won't cause you to binge eat). Consider foods like stuffing or anything else that strikes your fancy.
Avoid drinking too much alcohol. This is challenging, but if you have a goal, it will be worthwhile. Have a lime and seltzer. If drinking is a family tradition, choose the highest ABV content possible (liquor then wine then beer). To prevent dehydration, follow each drink with a glass of water.
Obtain plenty of water. You'll feel satisfied and the salt in many holiday foods will be lessened.
You're there for the fun, for the good times, and for the company. These activities don't call for excessive eating or drinking. Enjoy each piece of food while eating slowly and thoroughly. Enjoy your time with family and friends most of all.
If you plan to eat dessert, choose something delectable. Enjoy it if it's your favorite—I adore pumpkin pie. Avoid going back for more. If you're traveling, think about bringing a lovely fruit dish. Or, ideally, you can just skip it completely.
Protein up! A protein shake should be consumed 60 to 90 minutes before a meal. By doing this, you will arrive at the meal full and not famished. It was a terrible idea for me to fast all day, as I once did. Think carefully and consciously when making decisions.
One method of determining this is to eat slowly, chew your food thoroughly, and refrain from asking for seconds for at least 15 minutes. Stopping when you're full is one more thing to think about. It's difficult for me to say, but as long as you're conscious of what you're eating and aren't blindly indulging, your body will let you know when it's time to stop.
Please don't feel guilty or ashamed about eating during the holidays. Instead of tension, it should be a time for enjoyment and relaxation. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Holidays with your family!
REFERENCES
Sumner, A. S. (2018, January 1). Keep Active & Eat Healthy to Improve Well-being & Feel Great | NIDDK. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/keep-active-eat-healthy-feel-great
Brooke, D. C. (n.d.). Food variety and a healthy diet. Healthy Eating and Diet - Better Health Channel. Retrieved from http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/healthy-eating
English, F. E. (n.d.). Discretionary food and drink choices | Eat For Health. Discretionary Food and Drink Choices | Eat for Health. Retrieved from https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/food-essentials/discretionary-food-and-drink-choices
Administrative Code, NJ. A. (n.d.). Section 8:36-10.5 - Requirements for dining services, N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-10.5 | Section 8:36-10.5 - Requirements for Dining Services, N.J. Admin. Code § 8:36-10.5 Retrieved from https://casetext.com/regulation/new-jersey-administrative-code/title-8-health/chapter-36-standards-for-licensure-of-assisted-living-residences-comprehensive-personal-care-homes-and-assisted-living-programs/subchapter-10-dining-services/section-836-105-requirements-for-dining-services
