Don't blow off your fitness program in December!

T’is the season to be merry, and for many, it’s a time to give up our entire workout program and eating plan. Humans are what humans are…creatures of habit. Our society and culture makes it easy for us to consume and so do. We tend to let our fitness programs and healthy eating plans slide in December, engaging in all sorts of self sabotaging behaviour that leaves us feeling very cranky come January! The alarming fact is this - it only takes a few weeks to undo all our healthy patterns and progress made in months! December is full of parties, busy schedules and before you know it, that first week in January arrives and your clothes are way too tight, and you look and feel awful. How can you avoid this situation? Well, this year I’m going to try to help you stop it before it even begins.

Here are a few strategies:

Join a Bootcamp or Small Group Fitness Class
This month it is easy to walk away and say I’ll get back to it in January… a decision you almost always regret making come January! Join a bootcamp and become committed with help to achieving balance and focus during challenging times. Having the support of a trainer and peers makes it that much easier to stay committed to your plans.

Parties & Events
These holiday events are typically filled with high calorie, high fat food options and lots of alcoholic and high fat beverages (egg nog). Before going out, try eating something light so you don’t go out feeling hungry. Check out the entire spread before eating anything. Allow yourself one “treat” (something you normally don’t eat) and then pick on the healthy options provided (fruit/vegetables, hummus, boiled shrimp or chicken skewers). Limit your alcohol intake to one 8 oz drink and sip water or tea in between drinks. If people like to see you with a beverage in hand, trick them and drink cranberry and soda with pretty drink umbrellas! People will think you are drinking and leave you alone!

Family Holiday Meals
If you are hosting the meal, it won’t be too hard because you are in control of what goes on the table. Make lots of veggie side dishes and encourage people to eat mini meals or use smaller plates. If you’re going to someone’s home for the meal, offer to bring a side dish and make sure you take more of the healthy options available, and less or none of the higher fat/calorie dishes. It’s all about choices.

Exercise
I think our biggest failure is not getting to the gym. Things get so busy it’s hard to find time to do everything. Make a commitment to yourself and carve out an hour at least 3 times a week specifically for this reason. Be determined and have someone hold you accountable. You will feel so much better maintaining rather than gaining…

Good luck everyone – if we apply ourselves and stick to these guidelines, we should be able to make it through the holiday season and feel a lot better come 2015!