7 Effective Ways to Stay Fit This Christmas

Christmas time is notorious for fattening habits. We eat too much of the wrong stuff and stop moving. Exercise plans disintegrate as we abandon our routines to staying fit. You don’t have to give up all the Christmas tasty treats to stay fit, but it will take some work and sacrifice.

See a few ideas to stay fit this Christmas while still enjoying the holiday season.

1. Eat ahead of time

If you feel full, you will be less likely to overindulge. Christmas parties are full of calorie-heavy, sugar-filled foods and drinks. If you fill up on vegetables and healthy proteins before you head out to a Christmas party, you will be less likely to eat too much junk food. Don’t stuff yourself before you leave. You still want to have some of the good stuff and enjoy yourself. Just don’t get there hungry.

2. Don’t skip meals

You might think skipping meals in between parties will keep the pounds off, but it will only lower your metabolism making it harder to burn off the junk food. Eat at least three meals a day. Five or six small meals are even better. Eat healthy snacks in between meals such as fruit, vegetables and hummus and nuts. The main rule you should remember when you are trying to get fit is never skip your breakfast. Skipping breakfast may trigger bad eating habits and it’s really harmful to your health.

3. Exercise daily

You have to move every day, regardless. Set up a schedule of exercise, and write it on your calendar. Cross off every day you complete, and try not to miss a day. Even if you just go for a walk, you will make a lot of progress. If you don’t feel like exercising outdoors, try to do a few indoor exercises each day, or at least do your morning exercises in your home.

4. Don’t drink too much

Numerous studies show that drinking alcohol can cause weight gain. Whether it’s true or not, you should avoid drinking too much alcohol. It’s very easy to drink a lot over the holidays, but drinks are packed with calories. When you have a few drinks at every gathering, the weight will start to creep on. Stick with just one drink or none at all. You can make and bring your own calorie-free drinks, or opt for a glass of water.

5. Set goals

“I want to stay fit” is not a good goal. It’s a good idea, but you need something specific and concrete to stay on track over Christmas. Set goals such as “Walk every day or “Eat more vegetables daily”. These are more specific, and you will know if you have attained them.

6. Don’t punish yourself

If you slow down, don’t beat yourself up by fasting for a day. Encourage yourself every day. When you do something good, celebrate. When you eat too much at a party, tell yourself you can do better next time. Punishment will only result in discouragement and not progress.

7. Drink lots of water

Put down the alcohol and drink eight glasses of water daily. Water will keep you hydrated, and it will flush out all the bad stuff you have been putting in your body. If there’s only one healthy thing you do this Christmas, drink water.

Stay fit and healthy all year long. Eat whatever you want this season but make sure you do it in moderation.