Surviving Christmas
Christmas 2020 is set to be very different to what we’re used to. Tier restrictions are set up and down the country preventing us from our usual shenanigans of Christmas parties and late nights out.
If you’ve got through Autumn without working out, then you may feel you need to keep yourself in shape over Christmas.
Where we may not be able to have the annual Christmas party, businesses are thinking outside the box to hold onto those Christmas traditions, allowing us to socialise with our support bubbles and enjoy festive drinks outdoors.
The average Londoner has reported weight gain of 2-3kg during Lockdown and studies show Christmas typically shows a weight gain of anywhere from 0.5kg to a whopping 6kg gain
So is it possible to stay on track with your fat loss during the festive period?
Absolutely. All it takes is a little planning. Here are 5 tips to help you through the christmas period….
CHRISTMAS MEALS OUT:
Adjust your calories as need be throughout the week to accommodate for your weekly total. E.g. if you’re having a meal on Saturday evening, reduce your cals by 150-250 on Monday-Friday. By looking at your calories as a weekly total as opposed to a daily total you can make adjustments to suit your social calendar without sacrificing your goals.
DRINK YOUR WATER:
Stay hydrated between alcoholic drinks. It’s easy to drink one glass after another of mulled wine, yet this doesn’t keep us hydrated. Get into the habit of drinking a glass of water between drinks. Not only will it take you longer to drink, but you won’t wake up the next morning with a stinking headache. If you can’t face drinking water alone, have a soda water with a slice of lemon or lime to entertain the taste buds.
FOOD CHOICE:
Prioritise your meals throughout the day with protein and veggies. If you’re having a meal in the evening, you can bank extra calories throughout the day by prioritising protein and veg prior to the evening. Protein takes longer to digest than the other macronutrients (carbs and fats) so you’ll feel fuller for longer.
KEEP ACTIVITY UP:
Ensure you’re keeping your body moving. When it’s cold and dark outside, it can be tempting to stay inside rather than go outside to the gym or for a walk. Knowing that this may prevent you getting your training in, make it a priority to visit the gym or go for a walk at a time that suits you. For example, take a walk at lunch time rather than when you get home in the evening. Move your gym session to the morning as opposed to the evening when you have more energy. And take advantage of the time you have over the weekend to get your training and steps in.
CHRISTMAS WON’T UNDO ALL YOUR HARD WORK:
Don’t beat yourself up for going over your calories or off plan a few times. Look at the bigger picture, a few days or even weeks in the year off plan won’t undo all the hard work you put in over the previous months. Allow yourself to enjoy your food and enjoy the time with loved ones knowing that it won’t undo all the hard work you’ve already put in.