Collaborative Post
Most of us let things slide a little over the festive period. Even those of us that love exercise, and spend hours every week in the gym or working out at home, usually take at least a short break over the holidays. We let ourselves slob out in front of the TV. We treat ourselves to indulgent treats and any thoughts of diets go entirely out of the window.
It’s fantastic. It’s great to take some time off and to just enjoy yourself for a while. But, it’s easy to go too far, and the last thing that you want in January is to find that you are struggling to fight off winter coughs and colds because your immune system is low, that you’ve lost your fitness levels, or that you’ve undone any hard work you’ve done in the months before Christmas.
It can feel a bit like walking on a tightrope. You want to enjoy Christmas, and you certainly want to allow yourself treats, but you don’t want to become unfit or cause any lasting damage. If you’ve had bariatric surgery, you certainly won’t want to spoil things now. So, let’s take a look at some ways to stay fit and healthy while enjoying the holidays.
Prepare Your Body
When you take time off exercise, you lose fitness. There’s no way around this. But, the more you prepare, the less you lose. Spend some time now, increasing your activity, adding strength training and intensity, and you’ll be in a better place when Christmas comes.
Enjoy Those Veggies
We all crave sweet things from time to time. But, chocolates and cakes aren’t your only options. Fruit is an excellent choice, but when it comes to meals, filling up of sweet roasted vegetables can be a great way to satisfy those cravings.
Set Yourself Dates
It’s easy to get carried away with Christmas. The stores are already filled with treats, and you might know people that have already started to indulge. Setting yourself a time frame can be an effective way to control yourself. If you’ve got a week or two off work, allow yourself to take a break from exercise for that period. Or, pick a different time frame, perhaps just having the days between Christmas and New Year to rest and indulge.
You certainly don’t have to hit the gym to keep fit and healthy. A long winter walk can burn calories, work muscles, boost your circulation and improve your mood. After a big meal, a walk can also help to aid your digestive system. Spend some of your festive break walking, or playing with your younger relatives in the park or on their new bikes. Remember, if you are moving, your body is working.
Indulge in Moderation
Don’t tell yourself you can’t have things. You’ll only want them more. Instead, let yourself have a little of everything that you want.
Avoid Too Much Alcohol
Alcohol is often the most significant cause of weight gain over the holidays. Too much can also cause dehydration, and poor skin tone, insomnia and other issues. Try to drink more water, and limit your alcohol intake to stay healthy over the holidays.