1. Hydrate (And I'm not talking about Champagne.. or am I?)
Drinking is important, so don't slack on your water over the holidays. If anything, you should be drinking more. It’s easy to drink water and the benefits will astound you. You’ll feel more full and satisfied throughout the day, you’ll be able to combat the dehydration from salty foods and alcohol, and your skin and hair will thank you too! Water also keeps your digestive system and metabolism running on full speed, so grab a glass and drink up!
If you are going to indulge in some alcoholic beverages, consider having a glass of water between each and opt for ones that are lower in calories like tequila or vodka, seltzer, or a glass of wine. Here is a blog with more on drinking smart!
2. Don't Party On An Empty Stomach
If you're starving, you’ll be more likely to over indulge. Instead of “saving calories for dinner”, if you know you’ll be eating a rich Christmas feast just eat a regular breakfast and lunch with plenty of protein and veggies. For example, eggs with fresh tomatoes and a side of cottage cheese with fruit for breakfast and a southwest chicken salad with tons of veggies, corn, and salsa for lunch.
3. Dance It Out
Not everyone will be able to escape for a workout on their holiday, and that's understandable, but it doesn't mean you have to sit around all day. Try to sneak away for a home workout or a quick bike ride/jog. Another great way to get moving and aid digestion is a family walk to look at the Christmas lights after dinner or doing some dancing at the party. Being intentional about moving more throughout your day will help you get more active, even if you're not going to the gym.
4. Be PICKY
Pick and choose where you indulge. Don't just eat everything in sight because you can. Look at all the options first and ask yourself, “Do I really want some of this?” If you do - have some, but if you're eating it just to eat it maybe you should pass and have something you really want instead. Another idea, load your plate with veggies or have some salad first. That will help you prioritize your nutrition and also start filling up before you get to the richer foods. Bonus tip: if you're like me and you're a huge sweet tooth: don't scarf it down. Savor each bite of dessert slowly so that you feel satisfied and comfortable instead of itching for more.
5. Go Easy On Yourself
Try all of these tips and keep your goals in mind, but also understand that if you do overeat it won’t ruin all your progress in one day. Remember, to gain 1 lb of body fat you have to overeat by 3500 calories. So don't beat yourself up, just enjoy the celebration and be intentional about how you feel. And forget about how you look for a second, even beyond that we both know that getting some movement in and moderating your eating habits will ultimately make you feel ten times better than the alternative. That makes it even more worth while.
I hope these five tips help you feel so much more relaxed and confident approaching that family dinner or office Christmas party this week. If you would like me more help or have questions, head to my website and sign up for a free trial of my SWEATT App. Try the workouts for two weeks and if you don't love it, you can cancel. But let's be honest, you're gonna love it!