While most people (me included) tend to lay back during the year-end, slowing down the pace of things, spending more time with family, eating more meals outside due to the holiday season – there’s no reason why one should absolutely stop working towards their fitness goals.
Sure, this may not be the time to achieve a new personal best, but as long as you keep the weight from piling on, or prevent yourself from ‘derailing’ too far from your fitness goals – I think that the year end holidays are a very welcome and much-needed ‘break’ for us. It is not realistic and not practical to be on a super-strict fitness routine 24/7, 365 days per year. This isn’t the Biggest Loser Asia… this is real life. :-D
Food is an important part of many holidays, celebrations, family and cultural traditions. In fact, people tend to gather ‘around’ food for special occasions, and as a result, many people gain a little (or a lot of) weight towards the year end holidays.
So to get you started on the right foot come January 2010, and to help you stay on track this holiday season, here are 5 tips that will come in handy.
1. Plan to NOT ‘diet’ at the start of the New Year
Often, this strategy of ‘letting go during the holidays’ because you’re going to work really hard in January only sets you up for overeating over the holidays.
2. Focus on ‘maintenance’
Like I said above, this is not the time for a new personal best. If you are currently overweight and want to lose weight, this is not the time to do it. Maintenance of your present weight is a big enough challenge during the holiday season.
3. Drink plenty of WATER
Choose your beverages wisely! Water is the better option, even during the holiday season, rather than sugared/carbonated beverages. For those of you who drink alcoholic beverages, know your limit, and that the recommended intake for men is 2 servings, and for women 1 serving. (FYI, those 22oz beer mugs of beer is NOT ONE serving).
4. Regular Meals
Try to eat at least three times (5 times is ideal) per day to keep you from feeling famished and overindulging at any one time.
5. Moderation
Go ahead and splurge on seasonal cuisine, but balance your diet by choosing lower-calorie foods at other meals. Meaning, it’s okay to have that piece of fruit cake – but not for breakast, lunch, dinner, AND supper.
BONUS TIP: Don’t go to a party hungry. You WILL over-eat.
So how are you guys coping so far with the holidays? Do you have a holiday tip to share that works great for you? Leave a comment below – I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Happy Holidays!
DM
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This post was written by...
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.
My name is Noel Chelliah, and I’m a Transformation Specialist and founder of the 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Yeah.. maintenance is hard enough.. losing weight is even harder during any festivities..Maintenance is a better and realistic focus..
Happy holiday everybody!!
true. maintenance itself is challenging enough. being outstation and apart from gym, i usually swim and do a couple of compound exercises when i am in hotel.
chin ups could be done almost anywhere with a horizontal pole and etc.
Hi
Been trying to contract you to discuss on hiring you as my trainer. I had filled the form – but there has been no response. Would appreciate if you can call me on 012-4633788.
Happy New Year to you and all your readers.
Thank you