How To Maintain Your Progress Over The Festive Season

The festive season is here! This is a time where most people get caught up in the whirlwind of celebrations and indulgences and lose sight of their health and fitness goals. And while this is completely fine - it certainly doesn’t have to be the case. With a thoughtful approach, you can absolutely navigate the festivities without derailing your progress. This article will give you a comprehensive guide on how to maintain your progress over the festive season.

1. Manage your expectations


First, it’s important to determine what progress looks like to you over this time. If you are currently dieting, is that going to be realistic for you over this time? There is no point setting yourself up for failure or to feel like you are missing out by trying to stick to a rigid diet. Ask yourself if taking a less restrictive approach and accepting that you will just maintain your weight over this time is a better option for you. Same goes with your training. Will you be able to maintain your current routine? Or is scaling it back a little more realistic for you?

2. Plan ahead

No matter what your goal is over this period, the key to staying on track during the festive season is planning. Anticipate upcoming events, dinners, and parties, and plan your meals and workouts accordingly. Consider incorporating lighter meals on days with social gatherings to balance out potential indulgences. Additionally, schedule your workouts and treat them as non-negotiable appointments, ensuring you stay consistent even during busy holiday schedules.

3. Make smarter food choices

Keep healthy food options on hand over the festive season to make it easier to make choices that align with your goals. Ready made meals, fresh fruits, protein bars, protein powder, nuts, and yoghurt are all great, convenient options that you can take anywhere. If you are cooking, find ways to make traditional festive dishes less calorie dense. Think about leaner protein sources, less calorie dense carbs, and reducing fat where possible. At holiday gatherings, aim to fill half your plate with veggies, a quarter with protein, and the rest with smaller portions of carbohydrates or other treats. This way, you can enjoy a bit of everything without going overboard.

4. Stay hydrated

Amidst the festive drinks and treats, it's very important to stay hydrated. Water not only helps control appetite but also aids in digestion and supports overall well-being. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and consider alternating alcoholic beverages with water to moderate your overall calorie intake.

5. Keep up with your exercise routine

Try to keep up with your normal exercise routine as much as you can. If you can’t, find ways to still incorporate physical activity into your holiday routine. Go for a walk, try a new fitness class, or involve family and friends in outdoor activities. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. Not only will this help burn calories, but it will also boost your energy levels and mood.

6. Don’t be afraid to say no

It's unrealistic to completely avoid festive treats or social events involving food, and you shouldn't feel guilty about enjoying them. But, you don’t need to say yes to everything either. Be selective about your indulgences and choose when you will indulge and when you will practice moderation. This approach allows you to still enjoy the festive without derailing your progress. Remember that you do not need to over-indulge to have a good time!

7. Don't neglect your sleep

It’s all too easy for this to go out the window when you have a lot of events on! It’s very important to still aim for quality sleep each night. Getting enough rest contributes to better decision-making and helps regulate hormones that control appetite, reducing the likelihood of overeating. It will also help you recover from your workouts and keep your progress on track.

8. Practice mindfulness

Staying mindful during the festive season involves being present and conscious of your choices. Listen to your body, pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues, and enjoy the moment. Mindful eating can help you make better choices and prevent overindulging in the holiday festivities.

The festive season is a time for celebration and joy, and it's entirely possible to enjoy it without sacrificing your progress. By planning ahead and making choices that align with your goals, you can navigate the festivities while maintaining a balance that supports both your physical and mental well-being. Remember, it's not about perfection but about finding a sustainable and enjoyable approach to health and fitness during this special time of the year.

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