Perfectly cut meats, casseroles galore, pies you only see once a year, and more sugar cookie variations than you thought imaginable are all the marks of the long-awaited holiday buffet.
While there is nothing wrong with getting into the festivities of the holidays, having a try one of everything rule at every holiday party and event can get you into some trouble with your waistline.
But no need to fret because there are some surefire ways to put the 2 servings of mom’s famous roasted potatoes and prime rib in your rear view mirror.
Inevitably, you are going to have a little more on the menu during the holidays than a typical day especially when your sister insists on making every one of your favorite dishes since the 5th grade when you visit.
But before you commit to the holidays being a free for all with your diet, consider how the more you binge during this festive time, the longer it will take to get back to where you began.
And with New Years resolutions right around the corner, you don’t want to stray too far from your fitness goals.
Does that mean saying no to all things yummy?
No way! How can you turn down egg nog when you only get it one time a year?
It just means once your plate is full, call it a night and focus on these 4 simple goals to get your body and mind back on a healthy track.
- Have a plan to get back into your diet and fitness routine.
Without a specific date and routine to begin your journey of health and happiness the tentative start of this plan can be pushed long down the road until before you know it the holiday season has once again begun.
So know that on the Saturday night holiday party you can have a couple cocktails and enjoy the pigs in a blanket, but that on Sunday morning you will be continuing your walk a mile a day goal and having a salad for lunch.
There are countless free workout routines on the internet and all gyms offer trainers who can steer you on the right path and keep you accountable.
- Eat how you should the day after a holiday binge
So you think you should punish yourself for going in for that second serving of turkey and gravy by restricting your calories the next day?
That not only is an unhealthy mindset between yourself and food, but it can backlash in a big way.
Health recommends getting in a protein-packed breakfast the day after eating more than your fair share and then filling the rest of your meals with lots of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
- Drink water like it’s going out of style
Eating too much can cause you to feel boated and low energy. Drinking lots of water will aid your digestive system and get you back to your old self in no time.
Also, drinking a glass of water before every meal will help you eat an appropriate portion.
If you aren’t a great water drinker to begin with try some tips like buying a large, classy water bottle that you keep in an easy to see spot, or set a timer on your phone to remind you to drink water every hour.
- Don’t forget to move
The day after trying three different kinds of pies will likely not be the day you feel best in your new workout outfit, but it is the day you most need to get moving.
Exercise reduces bloating, increases feel-good endorphins, and keeps you in a healthy groove.
And don’t worry if you have family in town because there are ways to sneak in a workout where no one will even know you are boosting your metabolism to burn off those extra calories!
We all eat too much during the holiday season, but that’s because there is so much tradition and memories created around the dinner table.
Don’t beat yourself up for trying more than one delicious entrée, but do know that tomorrow is a new day to get back on track to being the best version of yourself- inside and out.