1. Limit alcohol consumption. Map out how many drinks you will have at a party and stick to it. Aim for only a drink or two at that holiday party and abstain when you can. Avoid all sugary drinks/high calorie drinks and aim for dry wine, soda water with vodka and a dash of lime/lemon or a lower calorie light beer. Drink plenty of water after each drink. If you plan on drinking more than that really ensure you eat clean and healthy for a whole week prior and have that as your only cheat for the week. You don't have to drink at every party either. Make sure to tell yourself that. You can always be the DD people won't harass you as much.
2. Be prepared. If it isn't a dinner party eat before you go so you are full and not tempted to eat the "dirty" food at the party. Be prepared bring a healthy snack that is quick and easy to eat so again you aren't tempted by the dirty food.
3. Plan ahead. If attending a dinner party of some sort offer to being a dish or two of yours own along. Then you can ensure that at least one thing you will be eating will be clean and limit your portions of the potentially unclean food as much as possible. Casually ask how the host/hostess made the dishes and choose the cleanest dishes offered. You don't want to offend the host/hostess. So this is a touchy area that i often struggle with as well.
4. Be mindful. If you do decide to indulge on a sweet goodie. Keep it at just one and pick something you don't get to have often. Make sure it's worth it and don't feel guilty about having one little baked good. But keep it at a minimum and don't over indulge. I used to be so restrictive with what i ate that the times that i did give in and have some dirty food i'd binge and feel so gross and unhappy after. So if you keep that willpower up and just have one it won't derail your clean eating regimine too much and just make sure you get back on the clean eating train after that. Moderation is key! Never forget that. As well another good reason to limit your alcoholic beverages is because it lessens your willpower and you don't care as much about what you put in your mouth.
5. Don't skip your workouts. They are crucial during the busy Christmas season to destress and keep you happy. Invite a friend or family member along so you can still spend time with them too. They could use the de-stressing of a workout just as much as you do. Plan family walks or hikes as well. This is a great way to keep active and spend time together! Suggest attending a hot yoga class together. A great way to de-stress, get a hard, sweaty and awesome workout in.
6. Get your sleep. It's even more important during the holiday season. If you are tired or exhausted you are less likely to eat as well or make it to the gym or outside for a workout as you simply don't have the energy too.
7. Lift weights. If you are short on time do a weight workout instead of cardio. Doing weights ensures that you build muscle. The more muscle you have the faster your metabolism. A weight workout also revs your metabolism for the rest of the day this will help your body compensate for some extra calories you may be taking in.
8. Stick to your eating schedule. Make sure to still eat your 6 meals a day. Again this keeps the metabolism revved up and working optimally. If you skip meals in anticipation of eating a big meal later in the day you are setting yourself up for disaster not only do you slow your metabolism down but you will be so hungry when you do eat that you will binge and overeat.
9. Drink plenty of water. You don't want to forget and become dehydrated plus water helps make you feel full so you are less likely to reach for dirty foods. Water also flushes out your system. Aim for at least 2-3 liters a day. I bring my 1 L bottle everywhere i go to ensure i am getting enough water throughout the day.
I hope this list helps you all stay happy, healthy and fit over the holiday season. And remember holiday parties aren't all about the food and the alcohol it's about spending time with friends and family and talking and enjoying their company.
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