Cookies, cakes, pies, candy…it seems when the holiday season comes, so do all those delicious treats we hate to love! So how do you still enjoy those savory treats without adding on the extra pounds that always seem inevitable? I did a little researching and pulled together some informative tips that will help all of us have a happy and healthy holiday season.
1) Get up and Move!
Whether this means taking a 20 minute walk, doing an intense cardio workout, or something in-between, make sure you are moving every single day. Not only will this help you burn more calories, but your metabolism will stay fired up for the next 24 hours. Another bonus is that you will feel better about yourself, the health halo affect, and you will ultimately make better food choices throughout the day.
2) The Scale is Your Friend
There are mixed emotions about stepping on the scale once a week, but if you’re wanting to control your weight you just might want to do a weekly weigh in. Even after you hit your weight goal, it’s important to still step on the scale to make sure you’re maintaining that weight. It’s easy to let it to start creeping back on, so keep an eye on the scale every now and then to make sure you’re where you want to be.
3) Let Yourself Indulge!
This is my favorite tip, as I’m sure it is yours. If you try to completely cut out all those yummy treats, you will most likely over indulge when you can’t restrict yourself anymore. So don’t hold back from reaching for a cookie or having a piece of pie once a week to satisfy your sweet tooth. In the long run this will help you stay slim and trim because you’re being flexible and allowing yourself to enjoy food. One thing that helps me is enjoying my weekly dessert with my fiancé or when I’m out with some friends, but that’s not to say that I don’t enjoy a sweet treat other days throughout the week. Just remember that everything in moderation is ok!
4) Have an Accountability Partner
Sticking to an exercise and meal plan is always easier when you have someone holding you accountable and doing it with you. Hit the gym with a friend to support and encourage each other, and treat yourself to that weekly dessert with your accountability partner. It will help you stay on track and be more fun when someone else is doing it with you!
I hope these tips help you to stay healthy this fall, but still allow you to enjoy the goodness of the season. If you have any tips of your own you’d like to share, post them on our Facebook page at NAU Campus Recreation, or tweet them to us @naucampusrec.
May the holiday season be sweet as can be for you!
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