Almost all of us have had some type of fitness goal as our New Year’s resolution at one time or another. Whether that goal be to shed a few extra pounds or to gain more muscle mass, January tends to be that time where we kickstart that goal. Many of us tend to set these goals for ourselves due to the weight gain and indulgence that can come from the holiday season.
The holiday season can be a difficult time to stay focused, especially when it comes to hitting the gym and eating healthy. No matter what you do sometimes, it feels like there's not enough hours in the day to get everything done and these healthy habits tend to get pushed to the back burner. In this blog post, we'll be discussing some easy tips and tricks that you can carry with you this season to help get you through the holidays without compromising your fitness goals. Keep reading to learn more!
Set A Realistic Routine
It’s no doubt that the holiday season is one of the busiest seasons for everyone. Everything from the holiday parties, Christmas present shopping, and visiting family can put your normal routine into a frenzy. With all of the extra activities, even sticking to your normal day-to-day routine can be exhausting, which is why it's important to set a realistic routine or schedule for yourself when it comes to fitness. Before you go into the holiday season, realize that hitting the gym five to six days a week may not be realistic for you and that’s okay! It’s easy for us to put stress on ourselves but it’s also important to embrace the holidays and enjoy everything that they bring. Setting a realistic routine for you will also help you stay on track and not feel down when you go to hang out with your family when you would normally be going to the gym. Having a routine may also help you push harder when you are there since you know you won’t be there as often.
Eat Before You Go Out
The holidays are notoriously surrounded by incredible food that is extremely delicious but unfortunately it’s not the healthiest. Most of this food tends to be served at family gatherings and holiday parties, so if you know that you’re going to be attending one of these we recommend that you eat beforehand. Now this doesn’t mean that you need to eat a full meal but having a healthy snack before you go can keep you from overeating at the get-together. If you are eating before, make sure that the snack your choosing is high in protein. These snacks can be something easy like a protein bar, protein shake, a handful of almonds, or even a piece of fruit.
If you’re short on notice and don’t have time to whip up something quick, try drinking a full glass of water before you go in. Sometimes our brains confuse the signals of thirst for hunger and vice versa. Making sure that you’re fully hydrated helps you from overindulging and benefits your body in many other ways!
Check Everything Out Before Putting It On Your Plate
The food tends to be the first thing that we see when we walk into any event. Instead of grabbing a plate of the first things that you see, scope out the place and check out all the food. Check out all your options and see what you really want to eat. Our eyes also tend to be bigger than our stomachs, especially if we’re hungry. So take a look around and decide what you want, giving yourself that extra time will also help you make better decisions when it comes to your food too.
Keep Your Body Hydrated
This should be something that you’re doing all the time, not just during the holiday season. But, keeping your body hydrated in a season that is surrounded by food and travel is of the utmost importance. Traveling takes a toll on your body, especially when it comes to hydration. Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, make sure to bring a water bottle with you and drink up. Your body needs water to function properly so make sure to give it that TLC that it deserves.
Avoid Drinking Your Calories
Not only is there a heavy emphasis on food but there's a heavy emphasis on drinking too. Whether these drinks are alcoholic or not, these drinks tend to be filled with sugar, cream, and other heavy substances that can add up quickly. Liquid calories are just as real as calories that are consumed from food. Try and stick to one drink or alternate your drinks with water in between.
Schedule A Workout
Like we mentioned earlier, you may not be able to get into the gym as much as you like due to all the hustle and bustle. In order to make sure that your getting proper training in, try scheduling a workout class or personal training session. Scheduling a training session into your day helps guarantee that you are not only getting in a workout, but you’re getting in a good workout. During the holidays, we tend to be a bit more tired than usual and having a trainer to push you can help give you that extra “umph” that you may have been lacking. It also ensures that you’re exercising properly since form is one of the major aspects that gets sacrificed when we’re tired. These workout sessions also usually cost money, which can be another incentive to try your hardest. At Fit In New England, we offer both group fitness classes and personal training sessions. All of our trainers are exceedingly qualified and have years of experience. They’ll be able to push and help you no matter what your fitness goals are! Connect with us here for more information!
Be Kind
Lastly, remember to be kind to yourself. It’s easy to beat yourself up about missing a workout or not making the healthiest choices when it comes to what we eat. It’s okay to not be perfect. Often we set our expectations so high that we inevitably feel like we could have done more but, in reality, we’re doing our best already. It’s also important that you enjoy the holiday season too. It’s okay to skip a workout to go hang out with your family. It’s also okay to enjoy the food that's served. The holidays only come around once a year and you should embrace them.
Here at Fit In New England, we're here to help you no matter what your goals are. Whether you’re looking to shed a few pounds or wanting to build more muscle mass, our trainers and staff can help get you where you want to be. With years of experience in the fitness industry you can trust us to get you where you want to be. If you’re looking for a personal trainer or gym in Medford, look no further than Fit In New England. We have a variety of classes and membership packages designed to fit your life. We even have special first-time offers! Contact us today for more information and get F.I.N.E.