For those who know me in real life, you know that I’m an exercise nut. It’s my way to relieve stress, to escape from real life, to get lost in a book, to listen to music other than the top 40 played on local radio stations, and to get a break from the kiddo. But, these real life friends and family also know that I have a sweet tooth, which gets a little out of control during the holidays. Chocolates, cookies, eggnog, homemade Irish Cream, the list goes on and on. By the end of it, I need a break from the overindulgence. How do I get fit after the holidays? Here are my 10 tips.
10 Tips to Get Fit After the Holidays
- Toss it all. All of the left over cookies, chocolates, sweets and other fattening food left over. Don’t just put it in the freezer for a later date, because if you are anything like me, you’ll eat it frozen too. Or better yet, take it to your playgroups or to work and let your friends eat all of the extra calories so you don’t have to. That way you don’t have to feel guilty about throwing away all of that food.
- Start your new years resolution today. Who says you have to wait until Jan 1st to start? What’s wrong with starting today or tomorrow? Or after you finish that last piece of turtle cheesecake calling your name from the fridge.
- Make exercise a priority. Don’t let yourself make an excuse for not working out. Yes you are tired, or had a long day with the kids. Or you just got in a huge fight with your husband. So what. Use your workout to re-energize. Use is to get a break from life. Use it work out some extra frustration.
- Have a detox week. Or month. Or year. Pick one thing that you want to reduce or limit from your diet and go without it for one week. Or an entire month if you are up to it. Yes the first few chocolate days will be tough and you’ll probably be a little crabby. But once you get through it, you’ll realized how good you feel without it, and you have the same intense cravings.
- Be sensible. But not crazy. I know that I can’t live without chocolate, so I won’t force myself to give it up for good. But I will limit the amount that I eat. Maybe it’s just one piece day. Or one brownie a week. Just enough to be satisfied, but not so much that I go into a chocolate-induced coma.
- Start out slow. You can’t start out running a marathon the first week (even if Run Fat Boy Run makes it seem like you can). If you haven’t exercised in a while, start out walking for 20 minutes. Once that gets easier, go for 30 minutes. Maybe run for 5 minutes and gradually increase the amount as you get stronger. Or try bike riding, an elliptical machine or an aerobics class. Do whatever you enjoy.
- Add in some weight. Weight lifting is one of the best ways to get fight. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. Add a few lifts to your routine, just enough so it’s a challenge. And don’t worry about getting too muscular, you’ll end up looking strong and healthy, not big and burly.
- Make sure it’s fun. If you don’t enjoy it, you won’t stick with it.
- Clean the house. Can’t get to the gym today? Clean the house with music blasting. You’ll burn calories, get fit and maybe pick up a new dance move.
- Cook! Instead of eating out or eating a frozen meal, prepare your meals at home. Sure it can take a little more time, but if you make your meals from scratch (or mostly from scratch) you can control the ingredients, the freshness, the fat and the salt that goes into your foods. Plus you get to sample as you go.
This blog was inspired by Twitter Moms discussion, sponsored by EA Sports ACTIVE Personal Trainer. Check out the discussion and join in with your 10 tips to get fit.
