The Holidays

The holidays are a very challenging time for staying on the weightloss wagon.  There are parties and family gatherings and food and drinks and sweets and candy, and it is all so hard to resist.  Honestly, I don't really think you should.  Now, I don't think you should totally let yourself go for the 2 weeks leading up to and including Christmas, but having a good time and enjoying good food with family and friends isn't going to totally undo everything you've worked for so far.  The key is to be conscious of when these parties are, and to try and stay on track as much as you can before and after them.  For instance, if you have a party Saturday night, make sure you eat lighter foods earlier in the day.  By all means, do NOT starve yourself because you will end up making up for it at the party with unhealthy foods.  Actually it's better to do the opposite and eat all throughout the day and stay satisfied so you don't overeat all the goodies.  Have a wholesome breakfast, a mid-morning snack, a filling, but very healthy lunch, and drink a lot of water before you go to the party.  This will keep you from stuffing yourself with the fabulous goodies. 

I also understand that it is extremely difficult to keep to a workout schedule during this time.  But you must try to keep moving.  Walk the stairs at work, do some jumping jacks and crunches at home, park farther away when you go gift shopping, try and keep yourself moving and working.  And as soon as it is possible, get back on track with a regular workout schedule.  Try and opt for healthier options as often as you can, but indulging a little bit will be fine.  And honestly, it's ok to feel guilty.  I feel guilty when I know I COULD have worked out, but didn't, or I COULD have said no to the extra cookie, but I didn't.  It's ok to feel guilty because it will keep you from making that bad choice again.  But don't let that guilt consume you.  Use it to your advantage.  Then get back on track.  Cheats will happen, it is inevitable, but don't let it ruin all your hard work, or even a whole day.  Get back to what you know you should be doing. 

I am going to Smackdown tomorrow night :) and we are going to Indiana for a few days to see my parents for Christmas.  I plan on working out a little while we are there, but there is no gym at my disposal so I will have to work out at home with my mom, but that's ok.  You can get a great workout at home.  Just get up and move!  Have a great Christmas season, make good decisions, stay active, have fun, and stay on track as much as you can!  And after it's all said and done, get your butt in gear and get back to it!  Work hard!

Eat, Shrink, and be Merry!! 

Merry Christmas Everyone!