Hello friends! Happy Wednesday! Today I wanted to jump on here and touch on the holidays and how to combat holiday weight gain! I dont know about you guys, but this time of year is always hard starting with Halloween and the remenents of candy, then onto Thanksgiving…and onto the month of December which is always filled with sweets, baking, and tons of events. Although, this year it may be a bit easier to avoid because there won’t be as many events with COVID.

Here are my biggest tips to stay on track and avoid weight gain over the holidays!

How to combat holiday weight gain

Prepare: I know this sounds really basic, but meal planning and prepping are one of the biggest keys to staying on track during the holidays. Making sure you have healthy snacks on the ready and meals planned so you’re not making something fast that’s unhealthy or getting takeout. Every Sunday I plan out my lunches and dinners- usually for lunch I keep it really basic. Chicken, salmon, chicken burgers.. things that are easily cooked on the grill and I can wrap up for the week. I also ensure that I am stocked with snacks like protein bars, shakes, and fruit.
Drink tons of water: so many times our “thirst” que gets confused with hunger! Drink tons of water. A good tip is to drink a full glass when you get up, a full glass before bed and you’ll be well on your way!
Take what you can get: 10 minutes here or there. You don’t need to have an hour to workout, especially during the holidays. Important to know that 10 minute here or there makes a difference! A quick walk, some HIIT (think biking, jumping rope, a quick walk, etc). You don’t need a gym!
Stick to proteins/ veggies 2/3 meals: I know this can be hard for some people but I steer away from too many carbs for 2/3 meals a day! I definitely have a cheat or “splurge” day on the weekend, but I find that my body responds best to salads, lean proteins, and veggies!
One day won’t make or break progress: Remember that food doesn’t define holidays. Base your holiday around being with people you love and your experience. Don’t base the holiday around food! Be smart and pick and choose what you really want. And remember, if you do overindulge... know that one day doesn’t make or break the work you’ve put in! It’s what you do EVERY single day from now until New Years that counts!!One day won’t make or break progress.
Check yourself: are you bored or hungry. This is always a good question to ask before you eat!
Watch the drinks: I know, this is a hard one. Generally I choose one or the other! A drink or a dessert! Ha!
Walk, walk, walk. I prioritize walking because it’s extra movement... and because it’s free and I can do it with the kids! Don’t just do your 45 min workout and call it a day. Be active throughout the whole day. I know it’s hard in the winter when it’s cold but honestly there’s no bad weather, only poorly dressed people :)
Strength train and HIIT. These two items are key to staying on track. Resistance training is so beneficial to weight loss and maintaining muscle mass which... helps you burn more fat! HIIT is huge- so important and the best part of it is that it doesn’t take long! Think: sprinting, mountain climbers, jump rope, sprint biking, jumping, jumping jacks! Any dynamic movement that gets your heart rate up for 5-30 seconds! You can get a good HIIT workout in less than 20 minutes! There is nothing wrong with splitting your workouts up and getting it in when you have time!
Lastly.. remember everything is down to your mindset. Shift your mindset!!

It’s a lot easier to maintain than have to lose it all over again. A few changes and tweaks and you won’t have to go through the pain of losing weight in January!

xo

Alex