Since the holidays are just around the corner, you might be more conscious about your weight. It’s easy to overindulge during Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas parties. However, this overindulgence leads to weight gain that stays for years. Luckily, this doesn’t mean you should deprive yourself of all the holiday festivities and parties. Here is how you can remain true to your fitness plan and still have an enjoyable holiday.
- Stay True to Your Routine
The holiday season might just be the only time you gather around with your loved ones, but sticking to your routine will make it easier for you to maintain weight. If you drop your fitness plan during the holiday season, it might be harder for you to pick it back up once the season is over. You can modify your daily routine and work around it so you can stay fit, as well as have fun during your vacation. For example, if you usually workout daily, try working out at least 4-5 days of the week during the holiday season. We also recommended working out during the afternoon, as this is when your body’s temperature and protein synthesis are at their highest levels. This way, you can get a few extra hours of sleep and prepare for action.
- Control Your Portions
The holiday season is incomplete without a table full of delicious, greasy, and fatty foods. If you’re looking to get in better shape during the holidays, we recommend controlling your portions. Try going for the healthier options and filling yourself up with vegetables and lean protein. Limiting how much you eat is a natural alternative to anabolic steroids and reduces the amount of unnecessary food intake. It’s alright to indulge yourself once in a while, but make sure you’re only having a small amount and then moving on to the healthier alternatives. Try getting your meals on a small plate if you can; this way, you’ll eat much less than you usually would. If you’re starving in between, have protein snacks such as nuts and berries instead of snacking on chips and chocolates.
- Get Enough Sleep
Most people don’t realize the critical role sleep plays in helping you achieve your fitness goals. Getting a full night’s rest will make you feel refreshed, active and energetic in the morning, ready to tackle anything and achieve your fitness goals. According to science, you should get 8-9 hours of sleep daily. If you have trouble sleeping, try to limit your electronics usage 2 hours before sleeping, make sure that the bed and environment you’re sleeping in are comfortable enough, and limit your water intake 45 minutes before you sleep.
- Set Your Goals
Download calorie counters and fitness tracking apps on your phone, and set your goals so you can work out during the holidays accordingly. Once you’ve planned out your goals, you’ll know how much progress you can make each day. This will help you plan your workouts to achieve your daily fitness goals.
- Get Creative
Working out at home is not the same as at the gym. Following the same routine at home can get boring, monotonous, and tiresome after a while, so why not get creative with it? For example, if you’re doing two reps of squats, why not wear a backpack full of books or heavy items? This adds weight to your body and helps you get a more strenuous and fulfilling workout. If you don’t have weights where you’re staying, try filling up empty bottles with sand as a substitute. Using weights during your workout routine will help you build up lean muscle. It also tones your body and boosts your metabolism system as well.
- Track Your Progress
The best way to get motivated while working out is by tracking your progress. There’s no use in following a fitness program if you have no idea whether you’re achieving your goals or not. Try to write down your activity levels weekly or monthly; this will help you assess and rewrite your daily workout routine to achieve your long-term fitness goals. You can track your fitness by taking progress photos or by recording measurements of your body.
You shouldn’t feel so down if you gain a few pounds during the holiday season. A little determination will help you shed those extra pounds and set you back on track. All you need is a little motivation. Follow the tips we’ve outlined in this article if you’re not sure about how to get into better shape during the holidays. Regularly exercising will help you accomplish your fitness goals and gain more confidence.
