The holidays are that special time of the year where every indulgence is neatly packaged, socially encouraged, and conveniently available. Pumpkin-spiced, chocolate-dipped, rum-soaked, caramel-topped “Megatreats” are found everywhere, from the checkout stand to the drive-thru to school fundraisers. And while the odd confectionery indulgence certainly does not a bad diet make, the holidays have become a seemingly endless parade of pies, sweets, drinks, and culinary inventions of bacchanalian proportions. So what to do if your desire is to enjoy the holidays yet still maintain workout, weight, and longevity goals? The first thing to do is be realistic. Setting a goal to drop twenty pounds is setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal would be to maintain one’s weight throughout the holidays whilst allowing for plenty of shared festivities and a few indulgences. Here are a few suggestions that will help in the battle to win the holidays:
Remember that the holiday season is strategically followed by the “New-Years Resolution” season. Making better choices during the former means making easier choices during the latter. Also, having a bite of something sweet now is better than a having 10 bites later. Oftentimes, willpower can dissolve later in the night when our bodies start to wind down. It is possible to wipe a good workout off the map with a few mindless spatula-fulls of pumpkin cheesecake. Being active and even ramping up workouts is a very effective way to make those extra calories work in your favor. Try making some personal record (PR) goals during this time of year. A cupcake-fueled sprint or latte-energized bench press may be your best attempt all year.
The holidays do not have to be an automatic “lose my gains and gain weight” season. It can be a time of intense satisfaction when we prove to ourselves that planning really does lead to success. Plan time to be mindful of your goals and increase your holiday cheer.
Activated Charcoal: Just a Fad or Here to Stay?According to an article on Yahoo Health, the latest “…
By Kimberly Beauchamp, ND Blood vessel function improved significantly, regardless of the amount of…
BySuzanne Dixon, MPH, MS, RDWomen who consumed most of their calories early in the day experienced a…
2020 © All Rights Reserved. Clark's Nutrition is a registered trademark of Clarks Nutritional Centers, Inc.
Terms of Use