You shouldn’t have to dread the holidays.
Yet many people do. Not only because of the stress, the long lines at stores, and the pressure to get it all done (perfectly.)
There’s also the inevitable food frenzy, and the subsequent extra pounds that show up right about the time we’re ringing in the New Year.
Statistically most people gain a few pounds over the holidays. Food, drinks and sweets are plentiful, and that’s lovely and all, but if you are already a few pounds heavier than you like, adding more to that and facing the arduous task of taking it off come January is reason to feel frustrated.
While some might say a strict diet plan or excessive abstaining is the answer, I have another solution.
It is one we have used with clients (successfully) for years now, to not only keep off the extra holiday weight but also help manage the stress and the common lack of motivation many experience this time of year.
I am going to share with you our “secret,” but you must understand one thing up front.
The goal is not to lose weight.
The goal is to not gain weight.
This is not the time of year to be dieting.
Nope.
Food is going to be all around us. Some of it only comes around this time of year, and it is part of the joy of living to indulge.
If you attempt to restrict yourself during this cookie crazy-ness, you will end up falling face first into a fruitcake.
No joke. Expecting to willpower your way around all the holiday goodness will leave you bitter, deprived and desperate.
Instead, I am going to encourage you to try an alternate route.
Eat. Indulge. Enjoy.
Take time to appreciate the special things that come around only this time of year, but I don’t mean eating the whole tray of cookies.
You still need to be responsible and not go nuts, but when you do indulge, enjoy it. Take time to be mindful and aware of your choices.
That’s step one. Now, to counteract all these extra calories, you will need to move more.
That can be tough because you’re super busy this time of year, but also it is colder and darker and you’re less motivated.
A little encouragement and accountability can help.
Each year, Fitness Evolution challenges our clients to 40 Days of Fitness, starting just before Thanksgiving and ending right before Christmas.
The goal is to move for at least 20 minutes every single day, for 40 days.
Not every day is an intense workout; you still need rest and recovery time. But you can walk and move your body at least 20 minutes each day.
Doing so will help you not only maintain weight when eating more, it also helps you feel less stressed by the holidays.
Sounds good, right?
Our next 40 Days of Fitness starts on November 12th and ends on December 21st. It’s free and open to anyone.
We will provide the workouts (can be done at home with minimal equipment) and the accountability and support through our My Coach app and a private Facebook group.
If you are ready to keep the holiday pounds off this year and feel good when January comes, sign up here for free!
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