The Silly Season is upon us!
This is the time of the year where all your hard work in the gym comes to fruition, only to be compromised by those festive Mince Pies, colourful Candy Canes and celebratory after-work drinks. It’s a fun time, an exciting time and in Australia, unfortunately, Christmas coincides with Summer. Which means, after your Christmas feasting and drinking, you will at some point have to expose those thighs or expanding belly in order to not die of heat stroke.
Help is here! There is a way to avoid the dreaded Christmas belly, if you stick to a few simple rules.
DRINK WATER
Drink a glass between alcoholic beverages, and aim for around 2L of water over the day as well to stay hydrated. Had a bit too much to drink last night? Try a glass of water with a nip of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon in the morning to kick start that fresh feeling.
MAINTAIN YOUR GOOD HABITS
Those good habits you’ve built all year should be fairly easy to maintain over the silly season. Eat home cooked meals when you can. Include protein in every meal. Include vegetables in every meal. Try not to associate a good time with over-indulgence. Be prepared and meal prep if you know you have a massive week ahead. If you have parties to attend all weekend, just make your weeks immaculate with your nutrition and training. Aim to get enough sleep to combat afternoon sugar cravings (6-9hrs).
TRAIN
Probably one of the most important parts, don’t stop training just because it’s holidays. You may just have to juggle your time a little better and MAKE TIME to train. The best time I found to fit in training is first thing in the morning, as your events and catch ups with friends are more than likely in the afternoons. Why not have a catch up with a friend over a walk or exercise??
Exercise increases happy endorphins, burns calories and reduces stress. The perfect combo for the silly season.
80/20
When at events, before grazing over those delectable platters, work out which ones you want or would enjoy the most, and which ones probably aren’t the healthiest s you aren’t just scoffing all of them. Stick to the seafoods, grilled meats, colourful salads, nuts and the protein dense options.
WALK IT OFF
Spend time with your loved ones on a lovely walk before sitting down for hours eating and drinking. Wake up early and embrace the holidays with a morning stroll. Walk the dogs/babies/kids. Get out and about with accidental activity (hello Boxing Day Sales).
NOPE I AM ENJOYING MYSELF AND EATING AND DRINKING WHATEVER I WANT SONI.
Ok, that’s totally fine. See you at the end of January for our 8 Week Challenge 😛
Coach Soni