Tis the season for holiday feasts, a calendar packed with holiday parties, and weather that can diminish our motivation to train. In November and December we’re faced with every culinary temptation imaginable, which makes it difficult to maintain peak fitness.
In fact, it’s common for some to pack on five to 10 pounds of body fat onto their bodies during the holiday season, which can compromise performance and make for a slow return to form in the spring.
Fortunately, the situation is far from hopeless. It’s possible to enjoy all the festivities–including the special foods that help make the season so enjoyable. Read on to learn about 10 nutrition and fitness strategies that will help you maintain peak fitness during the holiday season
- Eat four to six smaller meals rather than “saving” yourself for that special holiday meal
- Plan a workout before a holiday party or big meal
- In contrast to our “sports mentality” to pick up the pace, when eating, SLOW DOWN!
- Remember the law of diminishing returns
- Take advantage of “nutritionally dense” holiday foods
- Pumpkin
- Cranberries
- Turkey
- Sweet Potatoes
- Chestnuts
- Offer to bring a healthy dish to holiday parties
- Try recipe modifications
- Beware of liquid calories, especially alcohol
- Don’t “hang out” at the appetizer table when socializing at a party
- Use a journal (or an app) to monitor your training and nutrition
