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We all fear it, it's like this heavy weight that we can't get off our back... the thought in the back of your head that keeps warning you about gaining weight over the holidays.
It's only natural considering that every time you walk through the check out lines at the grocery store and see all the magazines giving the "You can lose 10 pounds before Christmas" or the news reminding us of how much we eat during the holidays. Is it true though, how afraid of holiday weight gain do we need to be?
Here's the real deal... the average person will gain 1 pound during the holiday season... those that are overweight typically gain more, around 4 pounds. This was thanks to a research study done at the University of Oklahoma. What's more is that we're 500% more likely to gain weight over these next few weeks than any other set period of weeks during the rest of the year.
So should you be afraid, very afraid? No, but you do want to be mindful. Keep to the idea that is here at the Art of Weight Lifting... eat clean 90% of the time, go crazy 10% of the time.
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Follow these tips to fight off the holiday bulge:
Holiday Weight Tricks:
Schedule everything: By everything I mean your workouts. Just like a lunch date with a friend or a business meeting, schedule your workouts. It's too easy to push them to the side right now with all the cocktail parties and shopping trips. If that means waking up thirty minutes earlier then that is what you have to do until the season is over. But I know you can do it.
Have a plan: When you walk into the gym have a clear plan as to what you're going to be doing. What exercises are you going to do, what are your reps? And speaking from experience here, don't just have them in your head but have it either printed out or written down so you can keep track of yourself. If you're looking for a workout try the Holiday Hottie Workout! It's perfect for this time of year (clearly).
Preparty Planning: In terms of your parties, avoid going on an empty stomach. If your'e starving when you arrive you won't be able to control yourself and you'll be eating the buffet! Eat a small 200-250 calorie snack before hand and stick to just one plate at the party, and for crying out loud do not stand beside the food table. That just makes munching far too easy.
Cocktails and Desserts: I am not going to tell you to not drink and not eat a Christmas cookie or two. But you do want to be smart about it. Eat just one dessert at a party and if you're able to, split it with someone. For drinks, remember that alcohol is terrible for you if you're goal is to lose weight so limit yourself by drinking a cocktail, follow it up with a water, then another cocktail. Swapping back and forth will decrease the total drinks you have, but you still have that cup in your hand for comfort.
Following these tips will make it so that that weight doesn't creep up on you. But I want you to remember one thing, with your workouts give it all you've got. This time is for maintenance and you have to fight for it. Push yourself and remember that you can always do better than you think you can do. Your body is strong but you have to know that! Do not baby your workout because it looks tough, fight for it and you'll come out feeling amazing.
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