(reposted for new readers)
Why You Don’t Quit for the Holidays
On Monday I posted some tips for not overeating during Thanksgiving. The good news is that Thanksgiving and Christmas are JUST ONE DAY. That means if you do overeat a little, it’s not the end of the world. It’s one slip up, that can be reversed if dealt with immediately.
How is that possible, you wonder?
Basically with continuing your exercise.
I think the biggest struggle a lot of people have with the holidays is the fact that they Fall Off the Wagon. I’ve done this too. I stop counting calories, I eat things I normally don’t eat, I skip workouts because of parties, out of town guests, traveling, etc.
The trick is to KEEP AT IT. Don’t fall off that wagon because it’s so hard to get back on it.
- Buffets
- Office parties
- Dinner parties
- Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner
- Family parties
- Cookie parties
- Christmas cookies, foodie gifts, holiday baking….
The temptations are everywhere!
Try and fit in some exercise like your normal routine dictates. If your normal routine is to run twice a week at lunchtime, do it. If your normal routine is to go to the gym after work, do it.
The holidays can be stressful. Not enough time and being pulled in a million directions but we must take care of ourselves. I know for me, if I don’t get my exercise I will become stressed and irritable. I won’t have that outlet for my stress which normally cures my irritably…so without that I will eat for comfort, drink more, eat things I wouldn’t normally want.
I’ve already planned my workout routines for the coming holiday season. I found out my gym will be opened restricted hours on Thanksgiving so I fully plan on going in early Thanksgiving morning to get in what I can.
The gym is not open on Christmas day but if the weather holds up, I hope I can squeeze in a run sometime.
If not, I will hop on the bike trainer in the living room and pedal away while I watch A Christmas Story.
My hope is that the gym will be emptier and emptier as the holidays progress. 😉 More room for me!
Seriously….don’t be one of Those People that only exercises in January and February because of New Year’s Resolutions! Let’s start a tradition of Staying Sane During the Season and exercising!!
Who’s in?
QUESTION: Is exercise the first thing that goes away during the holidays? How is this year going to be different for you?
Sara
My Christmas is going to be TOTALLY different this year as it will be my first planned holiday with my boyfriend and his family in GA. While I’ve met them before and I accidentally crashed a week of Christmas 2 years ago, I still get nervous about making a good impression and not falling off the wagon for a whole week like I did 2 years ago and felt miserable about myself. This year is going to be different! I’ve already planned workouts to do without a gym either in their house or around their neighborhood, I’ve found a Weight Watchers location to go weigh in and attend a meeting to stay focused, and I’ve planned to bring my own produce and a few other must haves I know their kitchen might not have to keep my nutrition somewhat routine. I’m still nervous but I do feel like I have a better handle on what I can control. 🙂
Lisa Eirene
Wow Sara! That’s an impressive plan! I’m glad you’ve worked it out ahead of time. It sounds like you will be able to stay on track. Good job!
Mary @ Fit and Fed
Very true! I’m going to share this post with my fitness buddy.
Lisa Eirene
Thanks! Glad you liked it. 🙂