At this time, gyms should have boarding facilities, for those of us terrified of the holiday season. When temptations are abound, and the warmth of family makes it so comfortable to keep that hand to mouth motion going and cuddle up in the evening, and mornings, forgetting to keep our year long workout religion.
How will we survive this?
How will we survive the parties with the pastries, and the bubbling fizzy drinks, and the not so bubbly tipsy inducing drinks, and the roast meat, and the potatoes, and the sweet potatoes...there was a salad somewhere...nope, that was just some fruit on top of the tipsy inducing drink, go figure.
Consider this,
If you have been working hard the whole year, the week of rest might be just what your body needs to start afresh and make more gains in the new year. Many fanatics find it difficult to rest, I know that more than a day's rest seems a waste. However, I did notice that after my recent three week hiatus, my body has begun making muscle gains that it wasn't before. I have to think about whether I had been over training before and begin incorporating longer periods of rest in order to allow myself to progress. So don't panic, the rest might also be good for you.
The self control you have shown through out the year has built discipline in you. Which is why you will still choose water over fizzy drinks and nurse one drink the whole evening. There is no need to look anti social by slipping away for a run, there is time for that early in the morning before the parties begin. There are smart ways of keeping to program, just practice the same self control.
Consider also that this is a time for stock taking and making resolutions. There have been those that have been watching you the whole year and will now take your example and try to implement it in the coming year. Consider also that being a role model (even though you might not know it yet) carries a burden of responsibility. As you think over what new goals you have for next year, remember, that this is a time there is a spot light on you. The greatest gift you can give is inspiration for a loved one to begin picking habits that will keep them healthy, longer.
Plan. Yes, plan. If you are accustomed to machines and weights at the gym, perhaps now it is time to refresh your memory on body weight exercises since getting to the gym might be hard. It's just like traveling, get to know what your program is and plan some activities that fit into that program without straining you. I might be going camping with my family, so a few hikes are in order. I will also carry my tubes to do some resistance on the go.
When at a buffet, start with the salads. Avoid salads that already have the dressing mixed in, especially mayonnaise filled ones. Try to have salads with the dressing on the side. It is also better especially when you are not sure how long the buffet has been out. Mayo being raw-egg based is not the best thing to eat when it has been out and uncovered for a while. Always finish with the starches. Don't ignore them completely, our bodies need starch but not in the amounts we usually eat them. Eat slowly, remember it takes about 20 minutes for our brains to register that we are satisfied. By the time you get to the starches you should have very little space to fill up your stomach.
By keeping conscious of our choices, we will survive the holiday season, perhaps with just a few bruises instead of crashing out completely.
Stay active everyone!
Awesome read. Thank you for this.
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome!
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