Let’s face it: Everyone blows their calorie budget every now and then. Enjoying the many flavors and delicious dishes of the holiday season is a double edge sword; it tastes good going down, but can be more difficult to burn off. Being right in the middle of the holidays – parties, and celebratory dinners can easily get a little (or a lot) more decadent than you expected.
When the season has come and gone, how do you pick up where you left off? Or where do you start once the damage has been done?
Here are a few tips for getting back on track from the holiday splurges:
Relax. The good news is one meal is not going to ruin you. Continue to eat sensibly and exercise regularly while you get back to your routine. We call these “taking time-outs,” and we all need to take them! No one has perfect eating habits. What we have to learn is that we are giving ourselves permission to take a “time out”, and as soon as it’s over, go back to the eating plan you normally follow. A “time out” is not permission to continue to overeat and binge. That is where the trouble lies.
According to Dr. Allen Dollar, Chief of Cardiology at Emory University School of Medicine, the problem is overeating is not a one-time affair for most Americans. Studies have found Americans overeat somewhere between 500 and 1,500 calories every single day. Repeating this habit and not consciously thinking about your dietary intake every day leads to being overweight.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up. Many dieters throw in the towel after a splurge. You may feel defeated and say, “Oh I blew my diet, and I’ll just eat the whole Christmas season and the heck with it.” When you do overindulge, don’t dwell on it. Call it your “time out” and then get back on track. Be conscious of your portion sizes the next day.
Think Of Your Diet Over The Course Of Several Days. It’s typical to eat more sensibly during the week and take in more calories on the weekend. If that is the case and you ate more calories at a weeknight party, make that one of your “weekend” days and be more conscious over the weekend.
In other words, if you had a party on a Tuesday, make that your “Saturday” and then make sure that Wednesday through Sunday are more structured.
Most of all, enjoy the holiday season that nourishes your body AND your soul.
We are offering an exciting jumpstart 3 week holiday boot camp to help you wake up in January feeling revived and peaceful rather than sluggish and regretful.
Our 3 Week holiday express camp begins December 2nd – Reserve your spot today at www.ArgyleBootCamp.com and prepare for this year to be the most nourishing, relaxed and magical holiday season yet! Consider it an early holiday gift to YOURSELF!
Norma Zitterkopf is a Certified Personal Trainer, Wellness Coach and owner of Argyle Adventure Boot Camp. For more information visit www.ArgyleBootCamp.com. Call (214) 729-0001.
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