We are right in the middle of the holiday season. Halloween candy and Thanksgiving feasts have played havoc on most of our healthy eating strategies. Workouts have gone by the wayside as we find ourselves shopping, entertaining, attending holiday events, receiving delicious food and beverage gifts from well-meaning clients and friends, – an extra dessert here, a glass or two of wine there, just one more little appetizer, and all of a sudden our clothes are not fitting the way they used to – and we’ve still got three weeks to go!
Team RPC can help!
We have pulled together some short-on-time workouts and healthy recipes. The five tips below will keep you healthier, happier and fitting comfortably in your clothes this holiday season.
The first thing you can do is BREATHE!
When we get stressed, we tend to take smaller more shallow breaths; oxygen isn’t flowing through our bloodstream as its needed, so we get tense, tired, or irritable. Most of us reach for foods high in fat and/or sugar to get more energy so we can get everything on our lists done. Instead of reaching for a candy bar or can of soda pop, take a few minutes to take some deep breaths, go for a brisk walk around the house or office, power walk to your car – anything to get the oxygen flowing.
2.) Drink water. Our bodies can’t always distinguish if they are hungry or thirsty, so if you’re feeling hungry, drink some water first to see if your body is just dehydrated. Also, alcohol tends to dehydrate you, so make sure you are drinking a glass of water between cocktails – it will cut down on liquid calories.
3.) Pack your car with some healthy snacks – time is tight and we don’t always have time to sit down to a proper meal. A quick run through the drive-thru can pack on pounds easily. A can of almonds, or some string cheese and an apple, or pretzels will keep energy consistent.
4.) Bring a low-calorie appetizer or dish to your cocktail party or pot-luck. That way you know you will have something delicious and healthy to help you avoid the high fat choices.
5.) Any workout is better than no workout at all. Throughout the rest of the month and December we will be posting 10 minute exercise segments to help you keep on track. Don’t have 10 minutes – even a minute or two here and there will burn calories and keep pounds away.
We would love to hear from you! Leave your ideas for how to fight those holiday pounds in the comments below.
