Friday, 2 December 2016
All I want for Christmas is fooood!
Don't you just love Xmas? What do you love the most? For me, it's the food, the lights, the smells and a wee Christmas shindig.
But don't you feel guilty after the festive blowout? I know I do. We all tend to love over indulging at the time, but we can feel horrible afterwards. So what's the solution?
Here it is ... a few strategies that I have found that will you to have a good time, without that naughty, sinking feeling afterwards.
Gratitude is king
So much happiness at Christmas time comes from the amazing, luxury food that we surround ourselves with and I am sure we are all super grateful for the endless treats. Take this gratitude to another level!
Thank the butcher for your fabulous turkey; thank the fish monger for the fresh, beautiful fish; thank the farmer for your locally sourced veg.
There's a lot of plus points to ordering food from local sources this time of year. Firstly, you know that you are getting good quality food filled with lovely nutrients. Secondly, you are guaranteed to have your order fulfilled. Thirdly, you don't have to deal with the mahoosive Tesco queues or risk getting a black eye as you fight over a turkey.
You will find that by focusing on the quality of the food you are eating, you will think less about the excessive quantity. Savour the goodness of a home cooked meal :)
Let's not turn a good day into a bad future
Let's not exaggerate the situation. Most of us, particularly if you live a reasonably healthy lifestyle, can't overindulge too heavily. Yes you are probably going to go back for seconds of Christmas pudding, but in the grand scheme of things, it isn't that big a deal - unless you have a medical condition that makes it so. Making yourself believe you have to climb a mountain when it's only really a small hill will make returning back to healthy living a lot more difficult ... so go easy on yourself.
Going for the burn
You eat more over Christmas, but you also have the opportunity to burn more calories without hitting the gym. Play with the kids, carry the presents, have a dance ... you may just want to sit, chill and watch TV and that is fine, but if you want to maintain a degree of activity, there's lots of ways to do it.
If you are a regular gym goer, you will probably find your mood will drop if you don't which only leads to a grumpy Christmas.
Hey buddy
After a break it can be difficult to get back into the habit. It used to take me months to build up enough motivation to exercise after Christmas. By making a commitment to a training partner it will make it so much simpler for you to get back into a routine. It's also a great excuse to break out the new trainers that Santa brought you for being so good throughout the year.
Make a plan
This is where I end up signing up to something crazy like a marathon ... but it works. Setting a goal, whether it's a competition or physical milestone will create a visual, keep you motivated and give you something to plan towards. Start off with small chunks and build up gradually so that it isn't a huge shock to the system after a few weeks off.
Start from scratch
I don't know about you, but after a few weeks of drinking and eating too much, I don't really want to think of food. There may be a few ingredients that you actually want to eat. Plan a meal around these and make a point of cooking it from scratch. This will help to increase your excitement and help you to get back into normality.
The magic liquid
Water is great during and after a binge. During, it helps to keep your body hydrated, which we know is vital for energy production and general bodily function. This will save you from craving too much fatty foods when you are drinking as well as help you control your alcohol volumes. After a binge, it will help to wash out the energy limiting toxins you have put into your body as well as assist you in getting back into a healthy routine.
You did it!
You now have the secret to having the most epic Christmas ... less the hangover and massive tummy syndrome.
For more tips and fun ways to enjoy the inevitably fabulous social occasions in the New Year without the downside of weight gain and sluggishness, please subscribe to my blog.
For even more tips, I would recommend joining the Wolf Pack for weekly motivation, the opportunity to put your questions to the experts, as well as exclusive deals on personal training and nutrition advice.
Now ... go and enjoy your Christmas. Enjoy your pigs and blankets, pile on the gravy, feel guilt free over your second helping of Christmas pudding!
I'll hopefully get the chance to speak to you again in the New Year :)
Merry Christmas!!
Love
Stacey
xx
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