Christmas fitness blues

It’s that time of the year again. The time when the gyms get empty and the traffic eases up on the roads. It’s also the time when I take a short break from my regular gym schedule as I’ve got plenty to do at home. I dont completely stay awat from the gym, but make it a point to go about 3 times a week and hit the weights in order to maintain my strength levels, so that when I’m back in full force in January, I wouldnt have to deal with the frustration of having to re-adapt back to the weights.

For most of us, it’s easy to use Christmas as an excuse to pig-out. To not bother about what we are eating and drinking, and promise ourselves that we’ll start again with our New Year‘s resolutions. But having a healthy holiday season is actually easier than you think – and will leave you feeling better (and slimmer) in January!

Here are some practical tips you could practice to keep you in check for the holiday season:

1. Avoid going out when you’re hungry as you’ll be more inclined to overeat. Have some fruit, yoghurt, sandwich or cereal beforehand.

2. Don’t stand by the food/buffet table – take what you want move away! You can come back if you are still hungry.

3. Avoid fried/fatty foods. Choose solid pieces of chicken or turkey and remove the skin or look for fish options.

4. If you must indulge in dessert, why not share with someone – it’s also much cosier and romantic if there’s a special someone to share it with ;)

5. Red wine is the drink of choice for the season, but the benefits of red wine diminish after a couple of glasses, so don’t overdo it.

6. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water to help prevent dehydration and a hangover the following day.

Of course, don’t be a party-pooper and be the total nutrition geek at your Christmas party. Do indulge a little in what you want, but knowing still that you are in full control of your health and physical condition.

Come January when the gyms are packed once again, you’ll be glad you did.

I’ll be away for these few days, so the posts will be a bit slow. Merry Christmas everyone!

This post was written by...

Noel Chelliah

Noel Chelliah, ACE-CPT, ACE-LWMC, has been recognized as one of the Top Transformation Experts in Malaysia. No stranger to being overweight himself, Noel has gone through a life-changing transformation himself, from fat, to fit. In 2010, Noel founded the DailyMuscle Body Transformation Camp, which today helps hundreds of individuals exercise and practice healthier habits. In his spare time, Noel serves the community with various programs that promote a healthier lifestyle, and enjoys playing with his dogs.