Avoid Holiday Temptations

With the holiday season upon us, our commitment to working out can be negatively affected by so many holiday temptations.

Think for a moment of the formidable challenges that lurk quietly, feigning innocence at almost every turn you make.

It’s true, fresh baked shortbread cookies don’t grow wings and fly down your throat. They can’t shout out, “We’re delicious! Your diet can wait!”

No, they just sit there quietly, their intoxicating aroma taking over the room until you cave.

Yet you must resist. Going back to your previous strong willed self will not be easy. The chocolates are equally sinister.

They lie in wait, almost daring someone to walk past but once the eyes are fixed, its game over and the chocolates win again. “I’ll take a box of those, please. Better make it two.”

The challenge is making the time to exercise despite the busy days of shopping, putting up decorations, work, and family commitments. Simply put, your workout routine has taken the back seat for this month.

Instead of lacing up your shoes for a stress-reducing run, you’re preparing for war at the mall as you go to battle for gifts and holiday favorites.  

Even when your focus is on the target gift just 20 paces or so up ahead, the chocolates could appear and stop you in your tracks.  

Have I mentioned eggnog? Nobody has ever gone undefeated against eggnog, which can add inches to your waistline and should be handled with extreme caution.

Now is the time to remember all the sublime effort that you’ve invested in yourself.  

If you gained an extra kilogram or two in one week, it will take two weeks of hard work to lose it. Consider this.

If you quit your athletic program after working hard for six months to lose weight, whatever you lost will be back where it was in just three months unless extraordinary changes were made to your diet.  Remember why you started working out. Along with your fitness goal in writing under the fridge magnet, these fitness tips this will keep you on track to a healthy mind and body during this festive season.

1. Plan ahead and write down your workout dates and times. This will help you to stick to your workouts which will provide the energy you’ll need for last minute shopping and other commitments. Tip: running early mornings may be the best option to make sure you have the necessary time to get everything done.
2. Change frequency of your runs – if there is less time to work out then either cut down on the days or length of your runs. This way you are still working out and at least maintaining your fitness.
3. Stress reliever – remember exercising helps you to de-stress and increases your energy level. Making time to exercise will enable you to focus on the task at hand.  Walking instead of running is better than nothing. The key is to stay fit as much as you can during this busy time of year.
4. Social – going for a group run or with a friend will keep you committed. Try a new route that has Christmas lights to keep it fun.
5. Incorporate cross training or try a new activity to stay motivated with your program. Try out something new like Pilates.

Eating healthy, keeping track of your food intake, getting enough sleep and drinking plenty of water will keep you hydrated and energized for working out and that other huge challenge, shopping.

Enjoy that chocolate at the party but be careful or they’ll get you.

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