HOW TO ENJOY THE FESTIVE SEASON WITHOUT UNDOING YOUR PROGRESS

As the festive season is well and truly here and it's common to feel a mix of excitement and some anxiety about maintaining your health and fitness goals during this time. While the holidays are a time for celebration and indulgence, it's essential to find a balance that allows you to enjoy the festivities without derailing the progress you've made in your transformation journey so far. With some mindful choices and strategic planning, you can get in the holiday spirit while staying committed to your goals. 

Here are ten tips to help you enjoy the festive season without undoing your hard-earned progress:

Outline your schedule for the upcoming events and meals. Planning ahead can help you balance your indulgences with healthier choices. Prioritise the events that matter most to you and plan your workouts and meals around them.

The festive season is not a time to be pedantic about your calorie intake or stick to a strict meal plan. It’s a time to enjoy the special treats and festive foods mindfully as part of a balanced diet. Savour each bite, eat slowly, and listen to your body’s hunger cues. Portion control and mindful eating can help prevent overindulgence.

Don’t forget to drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated not only supports your overall health but can also help you differentiate between hunger and thirst.

At holiday gatherings, aim to fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein, and the rest with smaller portions of carbohydrates or other treats. This way, you can enjoy a bit of everything without going overboard. It’s also fine to include a little dessert!

Try to keep up with your normal exercise routine as much as you can. If you can’t, find ways to still incorporate physical activity into your holiday routine. Go for a walk, try a new fitness class, or involve family and friends in outdoor activities. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week.

Find ways to make traditional festive dishes less calorie dense. For instance, you might use fat free, or sugar free versions of ingredients to help reduce calories, or you might replace some carbs with veggies instead.

Skipping meals before an event out or a big festive meal can lead to overeating. Have a balanced breakfast and lunch to help control your hunger and avoid binging later in the day due to hunger.

Alcoholic drinks are often part of festive celebrations. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption as it can add a lot of extra calories. Opt for lighter choices or alternate between alcohol and water to moderate your intake. Setting yourself a limit can help too.

It’s all too easy for this to go out the window when you have a lot of events on! It’s very important to still aim for quality sleep each night. Getting enough rest contributes to better decision-making and helps regulate hormones that control appetite, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

Understand that perfection is not the goal over the festive season. If you indulge a bit more than intended, don’t be too hard on yourself. Embrace the festive spirit and focus on making healthier choices moving forward.

Navigating the holidays while staying on track with your health and fitness doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a mindful approach and these strategies in place, you can enjoy the festive season while continuing to progress towards your transformation goals. Remember, the festive season is about more than just food. It’s a time for connection, joy, gratitude and creating lasting memories. Cheers to a healthy and happy holiday season!

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