How to Survive the Holidays Without Getting Fat and Going Crazy
What a wonderful time of year it is! First you have candy shoved in your face for the entire month of October (and most of November depending on how many trick-or-treaters you had), then you dream about turkey and stuffing and mashed potatoes all November long until that special Thursday finally arrives, then its time to scramble and buy all those gifts you left for last minute… and celebrate like 4 different christmas’ with all your different family members having that ham and desserts upon desserts every time!
I know from personal experience, it is hard not to get fat and go crazy during this time period! However, it IS possible! And today I am going to share with you my best secrets to get you through it all alive!
1- Don’t sweat the small stuff!
You’ve heard this one before… and it relates during this time more than ever! It is hard to remain stress-free during this time, but proper planning ahead of time and surrounding yourself with the right help is key! Family time can be super stressful in itself, and if your family is what makes you crazy then I can’t help you there ;)
2 - Eat and be merry!
Don’t deprive yourself of your favorite foods during the holidays just because you are dieting. One day of unhealthy eating will not make you unhealthy, just like one day of healthy eating will not make you healthy! I think I gained something like 5 pounds last thanksgiving… but as long as you get back on your routine the following days that weight should absolutely drop back down to normal in 2-3 days, so don’t freak out! Eat what you want, go back for seconds, pour that extra gravy, and enjoy your desserts! Life is too damn short to deprive yourself on these special occasions.
3 - Stay Active!
A lot of times during the holidays exercise is the last thing on people's minds. They think they are too busy and have too much to do to possibly continue their exercise routine. You just have to find a way to make it happen! You have to make the time for exercise. It will not only help you stay fit throughout the holiday season, but can help you stay sane as well by being an awesome stress reliever!
4 - Avoid stress at all costs!
Easier said than done I know… but if you find yourself in a stressful situation simply remove yourself briefly. Go for a walk, listen to some calming music, get a massage, go workout… everyone has their own stress relievers, so know what yours is and be prepared to use it! Don’t “stress eat” and turn to food when you get stressed!
5 - Help others before you help yourself!
Is it painfully obvious that a friend or family member is extremely stressed out? Offer to help them out with whatever it is they need. Not only will it make their lives a lot easier, you will also feel better for having helped someone else. After all, unless you are hosting a big party at your own house, you shouldn’t be overly stressed yourself and should have plenty of free time to help others.
6 - Eat before you eat!
Don’t starve yourself all day leading up to the main event (Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas dinner, etc…). This will only cause you to get full so fast that you’ll feel terrible and probably weren’t even able to enjoy all the food you intended too. Then you’ll be in a food coma napping on the couch and not able to enjoy the time with your family! You should still have a solid breakfast, and a small-ish lunch before the big family dinner.
7 - Moderation, Moderation, Moderation!
Is repeating it 3 times enough? As with most things in life, your ability to make it through the holiday season without gaining weight and going crazy all boils down to moderation! If you pig out for 3 months straight… guess what will happen? Yup, you’ll be fat and crazy. If you do well on your diet and exercise for all 3 months then indulge 3 or 4 times guess what will happen? Absolutely nothing :) and you’ll be much happier at the same time!
8 - Make smart food choices
This one is of least importance to me to be completely honest. But let me explain… Of course throughout your daily and weekly and monthly lives you want to stay the course and make healthy choices. However, if there was ever a time to splurge, and enjoy that “cheat meal” (not cheat DAY or cheat WEEK or cheat MONTH) NOW is the time. On the flip side, if you’re someone that struggles with overeating and the word moderation has long been forgotten, then simply making smarter food choices can make all the difference for you. Turkey, carrots, green beans, and even a little mashed potatoes is a perfect example of healthier choices during Thanksgiving. You’d probably want to avoid the stuffing, green bean casserole, gravy, cranberry sauce, desserts, etc… But again if its one day and it's one meal and it will make you happy then EAT! Just BE SURE to get back to your normal diet and exercise routine in the following days and you will be just fine!
Easier said than done I know… but if you follow these steps you’ll stay fit AND sane this holiday season! Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving and get to enjoy time with your loved ones. Oh and I expect to continue to see each and every one of you staying consistent with your routine at Fitness Fusion throughout these next couple months!
Brian Lepine
Fitness Fusion