Concerned about derailing your progress during the holiday season with all the Christmas parties and festive indulgence? It’s a common source of stress for those on their fitness journey. Setting realistic expectations at the onset of the festivities can make a world of difference.
Let’s face it, aiming for weight loss or a strict workout routine during this time might not be realistic. Instead, try adjusting your approach:
1. Adjust Movement Goals: With more social events and late nights, aiming for your regular gym routine might be too much. Consider three gym sessions a week or opt for shorter workouts, like a 30-minute walk, to maintain some level of activity.
2. Plan Your Nutrition: Take note of your social calendar. How many events are lined up? Knowing this can help you take control of your nutrition. Don’t feel overwhelmed; there are still plenty of opportunities to manage your intake beyond these events.
3. Accountability: Share your plan with a coach, gym buddy, partner, or colleagues. Having someone aware of your intentions can provide support and encouragement.
4. Perspective Matters: Remember, one day of overindulgence won’t drastically affect your progress, just as one day of healthy eating won’t magically transform your health. Weight fluctuations often involve water retention, not fat gain, so don’t freak out by randomly jumping on the scale and assuming you’ve gained 2kg of body fat overnight.
Enjoy the festive period and set yourself some realistic goals for movement, nutrition, and keeping a balanced perspective, you can navigate the holiday season without feeling overwhelmed in undoing your hard work. Roll in to 2024 with less work to do and the momentum to pick your regular habits back up.