Tuesday 08 December

Stay Fit During Christmas

By Sarah McConnell

The Silly season is here, and it is a time of fun & celebration with friends and family, almost always involving lots of food and drink.  The problem is all of the parties and dinners can add up to excess weight gain come the New Year.  Much of this weight gain is more due to lack of exercise rather than excessive eating.  Just take note of these following tips and you will be sure to keep your weight under control while still being able to enjoy some of the holiday goodies.

Exercise is one of the first things to get pushed off the list of “things to do” during the holiday season, with shopping, getting ready for parties & hosting parties becoming the priority. So now is a great time to modify your usual fitness routine.  Forget the rules, go ahead and bend them a little and do whatever it takes to keep moving.

1 – Do shorter sessions of cardio, fit in 20 minutes of cardio instead of the usual 30 – 60 minutes.  Go for a brisk walk around the block, or a quick 10 – 20 laps of the local pool.  The motto is any bit of exercise is better than none.
 

2 – Exercise wherever you can.  Exercise doesn’t just involve the gym.  Walk to the shops instead of driving, Every time you park at the store or in the main street walk to all the shops rather than driving and stopping in 4 different places.  Go for a quick 10 to 15 minute walk on your lunch break.  Use stairs wherever you can.
 

3 – Get the family involved.  Before or after the holiday meal, get the family out for a walk around the neighbourhood (if it’s not too hot)  Have a game of backyard cricket or throw the Frisbee on the beach.  Have a game of volleyball in the pool.
 

4 – Strength train efficiently.  Cut back your routine to bare basics and do exercises that don’t involve any special equipment.  Try push ups, pull ups, squats, dips, lunges, all body weight exercises you can do at home.
 

5 – Make exercise a priority and do it in the morning.  If you leave it to the afternoon chances are you will have something come up and the exercise is no longer a priority.

 

6 – Eat before you go.  Always eat something light before going to a party.  This way you will eat less of the party food and feel much better for it.
 

7 – Choose one treat, not ten.  Once at the party, allow yourself one thing to indulge in.  Pick something fun & different rather something ordinary like chips and dip.
 

8 – Watch your alcohol consumption.  Limit yourself to one alcoholic drink, since the calories add up quicker than you realise.  Try having water spaced throughout the night as it will keep you hydrated and felling great.
 

I hope these tips will serve you well.  Like many things in life, moderation is the key.  Decide to stay healthy & fit this holiday season while not depriving yourself of all the fun.    Happy Holidays.