Treat Yoself!

Every holiday season we see members go MIA only to return in January disappointed in themselves for neglecting their fitness and/or gaining fat.

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This time of the year is full of temptations. Friends and family are in town, social engagements are a-plenty, we are bombarded with food and drinks,…the list goes on.

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Taking time to enjoy the people and foods we love while making memories is so important. But, it doesn’t mean you have to surrender your healthy habits. Here are a few ways to get through the holidays feeling good:

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1. Make your fitness routine a non-negotiable. I find that when I know I will be working out, I think twice about what I am eating and especially drinking. If you start backsliding now, January will feel real tough.
2. Get sleep. As my dad used to say “nothing good happens after midnight.” Go into social engagements with a plan for how long you will stay, stick to your guns and go home to your bed. If you stay out late, take a rest day or adjust your workout schedule so you come in during the afternoon. You won’t regret getting sleep and will be more apt to make good decisions if you're rested.
3. Hydrate. Drink lots of water to help flush out toxins and reduce bloat. Bonus tip: have a glass of water between cocktails.
4. Load up on protein first and eat mindfully. For one, you want to hit your protein goal. And two, protein helps keep you feeling full.
5. Choose your treats in moderation. After leading with protein, choose any treats that are meaningful to you. Do you love your mom’s stuffing? Enjoy! Covet Aunt Betty’s carrot cake? Go for it! If you’re eating well most of the time, these indulgences are not going to derail you. Just don’t mindlessly gorge on foods that aren’t worth it.

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And a last bit of advice: don’t punish yourself with exercise. This time of year, we see and hear members come in with a food or alcohol hangover, wanting to absolutely crush themselves. If you’re feeling guilty about what happened yesterday, know that today is a great day to get back on track sustainably. We all know the old adage “you can’t out train a bad diet.”  If anything, use those extra calories to build some muscle. Don’t get in the habit of adding tons of cardio - it doesn’t work that way.

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Guilt and shame don’t work. Punishments don’t work. Dust yourself off, get back on track. You’re still perfect.