Balance Holiday Indulgence with Your Fitness Goals

The first step is taking the pressure off. December is about maintaining your fitness, not reaching new records.

• Ditch the diet: Don't try to lose 5-10 kgs in December. That's too much pressure!
• The new goal: Aim to go easy with yourself by incorporating some form of exercise to your routine. If you finish the month feeling good and haven't gained much, you've won!

• Be good most of the time: Try to stick to healthy choices (like veggies, soups and more) about 80% of the time.
• Enjoy the rest: That leaves 20% of your meals for some indulgence. When you do indulge, do it guilt-free!

• Plan it out: If you know you have a huge dinner party on a weekend, enjoy that meal fully.
• The other days: Then, make sure you eat healthily and move your body on the rest of the days. Don't let one big day turn into a week of bad habits.

Parties and gatherings are where most people struggle. Use these simple tactics to enjoy the food without overdoing it.

This is the most important rule! If you skip meals all day, you will show up and simply attack the snack table.

• The Fix:  Eat a small, healthy snack (like an apple, a handful of nuts, or some yogurt) about an hour before the party.

When you get to the food line, pause for a second and look at everything.

• Ask yourself: "Is this a holiday must-have, or can I eat it anytime?"
• Focus on the best: Save room on your plate for the special things you love (your favourite pasta / pizza, that unique dessert). Skip the plain chips, crackers, and packaged food items.

Before you load up on the carbs, fill half of your plate with the healthy stuff first (salad, soups, veggies and more). This simple hack ensures you start with the good and healthy stuff.

Don't let the cold weather stop you from working out.

Can't find an hour? Find 15-20 minutes. A short burst of exercise is always better than nothing.

• Example 1: Full Body (15 /20 minutes): 5 minutes of jumping jacks, 5 minutes each of squats and push-ups, 5 minutes of stretching.
• Example 2: Walk & Talk: Instead of sitting down and attending to a call, walk around the neighbourhood to burn those extra calories.

• Park Far Away: When you go shopping, take the stairs or park your vehicle far away from the mall as those extra steps add up fast!
• Take the Stairs: Skip the elevator and use the stairs in the mall or at the office.

The holidays are meant to be enjoyed! If you eat an extra slice of pizza, or miss a workout on a particular day, do not feel guilty. Be mindful of what you eat, drink lots of water, and keep moving a little bit every day.