With the holiday season just around the corner, it’s hard not to dread the excess food and drinks that go along with it. Packing on the winter pounds is easy when there is a bounty of food available during holiday dinners and gatherings. While a little weight-gain is expected this time of year, there are ways that you can prevent yourself from completely falling off the wagon and stay fit through these winter months.
1. Make it a Family Affair
Let’s face it, exercising is a lot easier to do when you have someone with you and supporting you every step of the way. This holiday season, enlist in the help of your family. Take walks together, attend a fitness class, or any activity that you can do as a group. Not only will you get to spend quality time with your loved ones, but you’ll get a great workout as well.
2. Never Skip Meals
Whether it’s to “save up” calories for a dinner or party later that night, or to try and maintain the weight you have now, skipping meals can be disastrous to your healthy lifestyle. Studies have shown that people who skip meals, particularly breakfast, are more likely to gain weight in the future. To keep your metabolism high, try to eat several
smaller meals throughout the day. This will keep hunger at bay, and you will be less likely to overeat later.
3. Exercise Wherever You Can
With your spare time going toward other tasks, it can be extremely difficult to maintain your regular workout schedule during the holidays. Take advantage of any calorie burning activity you can! Take the stairs, park your car farther away from the store, do pushups or jumping jacks in between commercials. It may not seem like much, but any extra activity throughout the day will torch calories and help maintain your weight.
4. Start an Exercise Program Before the Holidays
If you have an exercise routine already in place before Thanksgiving rolls around, then you’ll be more likely to stick with it throughout the entire holiday season. If you’re a beginner, start by doing a little bit of exercise each day and gradually increase the amount of time and intensity with each workout. Already have a routine? Just make a conscious effort to stick to your workout schedule as best you can.
5. Get your Zs
During the holidays you may be tempted to stay up until the wee hours wrapping presents, but research has shown that constant sleep deprivation leads to weight gain. It may be difficult with a busy schedule, but aim to get at least 7 to 8 hours of shut-eye a night. Getting enough sleep will keep your metabolism and body running at top speed and efficiency.
