So, it's that time of year again. The seasonal drinks and desserts are back (unpopular opinion: Pumpkin spice lattes are disgusting...... but don't tempt me with the peppermint brownie cake pop at Starbucks), and starting with Canadian Thanksgiving, it seems like there is a party every week! Maybe not everyone has Canadian friends, but between the Halloween candy, workplace potlucks, and Friendsgiving, there is temptation everywhere to just give it all up on your fitness goals.
But you're in luck! It doesn't have to be that way. You can enjoy the holidays AND stay on track with your fitness goals! It's true. I'm living proof (well... let's get to my Wednesday check in before I really say that, but I feel confident.)
So. How do you get through the holiday season without completely derailing your progress? I'll tell you.
1. BE CONSISTENT. I'm talking about with your diet and workouts before and after your party. If I have a party coming up on Friday, I'm not skipping my workout on Wednesday and having a cheat meal on Thursday. In the time leading up to your party, you want to be as fine tuned as possible! Earn that treat meal! And after your party, get right back on the horse! No, "well I already had that party yesterday, so might as well eat 10 other cheat meals and start my regimen over from the top next week." No honey. No bueno. Stay on track before, and get back on track after. Consistency is your friend.
2. EAT. It's the day of the party, and you know you're gonna have some dessert, maybe a little wine. That's fine. But don't try to save your calories all day, and only eat once. Your metabolism will not like you for that. Remember what I said about starvation mode? No? Read this blog, 4th paragraph. Spark notes: You don't eat all day, body thinks you're trying to starve it to death. Next time you eat, body gets revenge on you by not burning any calories. It doesn't trust you to feed it again in a timely manner, so it holds those calories hostage, instead of burning them in an efficient manner. So yeah, maybe you want to shave 100 calories from a meal or 2, okay. but don't starve yourself in anticipation for a cheat meal.
2b. EAT AGAIN. Tip #2 was to eat.. That was more in reference of how you treat your day. What I mean by "eat again" is right before you go to your party, get something in your stomach. No need to fill up, unless you're SURE you won't want to eat anything at the party. Just get a little something in your stomach, so you don't go to the party and want to destroy everything in your path.
3. HYDRATE. This goes along the lines of the previous 2 tips. Get lots of water in! The more hydrated you feel, the less hungry you are, and the less likely to gorge yourself on the party buffet.
4. MODERATION. So, you're at the party, and there is a delicious spread taunting you. That's fine. Go ahead and live a little! You don't need to completely avoid anything that isn't grilled chicken and steamed veggies (do they serve that at Friendsgiving?). Just be mindful of your portions! If you've eaten a little beforehand AND have been staying hydrated, chances are, you're not even that hungry. So just grab a little sample of the things you really want to get. You don't need to have 4 plates full of mashed potatoes and green bean casserole. You're likely going to be satisfied with just a couple bites of each. So have some of the delicious treat items, and don't bully yourself over it.
5. SWAPS. When you're choosing your plate, you want to indulge in moderation, but you also should make swaps where you can. For instance.. If there is a raw veggie tray with hummus, greens, and green bean casserole, maybe we swap the casserole out and the raw veggies in. Maybe you're staring at a full bar, and really want a beverage other than water. Maybe we swap the Coca-Cola out and the seltzer water in. The calories still count at parties, so even though we are allowing ourselves treats, not EVERY choice should be a "bad" one. Make smart swaps!
6. HAVE FUN. The point of all of these holiday parties is to have fun! Socialize with your friends and co-workers. Bond, share stories, laugh, dance, etc. The more you get wrapped up in the fellowship and community, the less you will feel the need to huddle around the dessert table for hours!
So that's basically it. That is how I survive the holiday season and stay on the path toward my fitness goals! Remember, fitness is a journey, so there will always be ebbs and flows. Enjoy your time, make smart choices, always in moderation, and don't guilt yourself! Cheers!
Check out my YouTube video recap of these tips!
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