There is no more challenging time of the year to maintain your health habits then the holiday season. Thanksgiving to New Years marks a period of overindulgence, especially in America. The average person will gain around two pounds with the potential for more lurking at every holiday party. Don’t shrug it off this year, be better prepared.
It’s the end of November, so your Halloween candy should be a distant memory. If it’s still in a bowl somewhere…throw it out! Holiday weight gain is a real thing, and expecting to lose the weight quickly is a misguided conception. The vast majority of Americans gain weight every single year after the mid-20’s. Completely abondoning health conscious habits for the last six weeks of the year can really set you back.
Be conscious! Think about where you are going, what food is going to be there, and what you are going to eat. Treat yourself and enjoy seasonal favorites, but do so in moderation. We’re facing a stretch of time where gatherings and get togethers are the normal, so you have to do a little planning.
Eating poorly affects our energy, and nobody likes to workout when they don’t feel good. Yet taking six weeks off of regular exercise is a sure fire way to gain those holiday pounds. Set up a schedule and stick to it, even if it’s a little less than your normal. Everybody is busy this time of year, but you’ll regret ignoring exercise come January.
There is nothing better than rolling into the start of a new year feeling good about your health. A little planning and a few disciplined decisions can go a long way. Here’s a few tips to help you navigate…
- Plan before you attend get-togethers. Know before hand if you are going to indulge and how much it will be.
- Don’t over indulge two days in a row. If you let loose, bounce back the next day with some clean eating and exercise.
- Maintain an exercise schedule. Don’t let a hectic schedule completely derail your efforts.
- It’s OK to taste and not finish. You don’t have to eat everything in front of you. Partake in the festivities with a little self control.
- Volunteer and donate. While partaking in excess, remember those out there who do not have enough to eat. Keep the spirit of the holidays in perspective!
