And so the holidays are upon us again. For some, it's the most wonderful time of the year but for others it can be super stressful and overwhelming (oh god the in-laws) and if there weren't enough excuses not to exercise and eat healthy from January to November then we'll certainly find one come December.
Whether you're inundated with family, keeping the kids entertained (or from killing each other) or because every man and his dog has invited you to their annual Christmas get together; there are 101 obstacles that can hold you back from keeping fit and healthy during the holidays but guess what?...it doesn't have to be so hard.
Christmas time is my favourite time of year and I love to feel the joy with a fruit mince tart in one hand and a glass of eggnog in the other but over time I've learnt that I don't have to fall off the wagon completely just because I want to enjoy the foods I love during the holiday season.
Exercise and healthy eating CAN be a part of your December routine but you have to make a choice for that to happen. If you're already thinking, "screw it, I'll start back in January" then you've set yourself up for a bad month and December has only just begun! SO if you want to keep your 'Fitness at Christmas' this year then here are five easy tips to get you there (that don't include calorie counting or missing out on all the fun)...
Start with mindset. If you haven't figured it out yet, sticking to a healthy routine is all about mindset so commit to yourself that you won't throw the towel in this Christmas and you're halfway there. Make a plan but allow flexibility so you don't give up over one 'bad' day (we are all guilty of this!) Can you commit to doing 20 minutes of exercise, 4 days a week? Whatever you decide, make sure it's sustainable then write it down and make it happen!! You are in control.
Stay in your normal routine where possible. Enjoy your favourite treats, embrace the extra glasses of wine but stick to your normal routine around all the Chrissy shenanigans. Plans may change at the last minute so focus on controlling what you can and that way you'll be able to enjoy the times when you do want to indulge without feeling guilty about it!
A little exercise is better than nothing. I think we can forget that doing something is always better than doing absolutely nothing. Not just for the calories burned but for the mental clarity, the stress relief and also to keep you in a routine. Whether it's a bike ride with the kids, walking the dog or a 20 minute yoga workout in the lounge room, it sure beats sitting on the couch!
Quality over quantity. A short high intensity (HIIT) session is a great way to exercise efficiently if time is a factor. ANYONE can find an extra 20 minutes in their day, even if it means waking up a little earlier. If you want some short HIIT sessions to do at home, head over to my instagram page and check out the workout videos I have available.
Choose your favourite foods. I don't know about you but when I get into an eating frenzy, I tend to start munching on food just because it's in front of me. There's nothing I hate more than wasting calories on something I don't enjoy so be a bit picky about what you put in your mouth this Christmas. You can still indulge but don't do it mindlessly. If your house is anything like mine, there is never a shortage of food at Christmas time so don't eat as though there is😂
Think about how much better you'll feel in the new year if you don't jump off the fitness wagon head first this Christmas. Creating a simple and achievable plan could make all the difference and it doesn't mean you need to deprive yourself or miss out on all the fun. So relax and enjoy a Christmas pudding or two but don't forget your burpees😉
Wishing you and your family a very Merry Christmas,
Alyssa x