You’re on a roll – eating healthy, working out, and attending Pilates class. But you can feel it coming – that bittersweet feeling of the holidays looming over. The parties, the dinners, the wine, the traveling – all the things that make this time of year super fun but ruinous for our healthy routines.
It’s the time of year that can knock you flat off your program. Being derailed from your normal routine – one that you have taken the time and put in the energy to make a habit – sucks. And while sometimes it just isn’t going to be possible to stick to your program, there are some things you can do to make it less sabotaging.
You CAN stay on your program amidst the festive parties and travel. Here’s how:
Fill up before you file out
Going to a holiday soiree and afraid you’re going to eat the whole cheese platter and drink all the eggnog? Prevent gorging yourself with empty calories by eating a healthy dinner at home first. Fill yourself up with your favorite lean meal and be sure to include some hearty vegetables and proteins. While you still may end up chewing on a bacon wrapped anything at least you won’t be eating the whole platter.
Back away from the buffet
It is where everyone is hanging out, I know. But we tend to eat more when the food is within arm’s reach. Make yourself a plate and find a spot to socialize in another part of the venue. Then – wait a bit before returning. It takes a second for our stomachs to tell our brains that we have eaten enough.
Drink water!
We hear it all the time – and it can be hard to follow when you’re in the middle of a festive holiday gathering. Try to drink at least a half glass of water in between every cocktail or glass of wine (if you’re drinking). Even if you’re not imbibing, drinking water frequently makes you feel more full, so you’re less likely to indulge yourself with another peppermint macaroon.
Scooting out of town?
Pack your running shoes
Traveling is one the most common ways to derail a healthy regimen. It doesn’t have to be though! Bring your runners and one workout outfit. Get outside and explore the town you are visiting. Even if you just go out for a walk – you are still doing amazing things for your body. And best of all – you are keeping your healthy habits in place. That way, when you return home, it’s not so hard to jump back into your established routine.
Download and print a quick indoor workout
Find a quick workout that you can do in a hotel room or at another person’s house. Even if it’s not as intense as you are used to, you will still feel better doing it. Heck – just a few rounds of squats, push-ups, and planks will keep your muscles in shape. Spend 15-20 minutes doing a non-stop circuit! You’ll raise your heart rate and keep your body in workout mode.
Drop in at the local Pilates studio
Pilates is becoming more and more popular – which means it’s easier to find a studio wherever your travels may take you. Take a drop-in class and work off some of that holiday bloat.
Are you visiting Truckee this season?
Visit Sierra Symmetry for a drop-in class! We would love to have you! Click here for the class schedule.
Sierra Symmetry offers group Pilates classes, barre classes, duet sessions, and private sessions.
Need motivation for the busy December Days?
Click here for our Twelve Days of Christmas Deals – specials for December 1 thru 12, 2018!