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The holiday season comes with endless rounds of festivities, grand dinner parties, and many delicious treats. We all find ourselves inclined to cheat on our diets, indulge in some Christmas cookies, and devour delicious homemade dinners. And before we know it, those lovingly-bought figure-hugging dresses start bursting at the seams.
It’s normal to put on a few pounds during the holidays, but if you’re already overweight, it’s best to exercise mindfulness. Did you ever think that it’s possible to enjoy all the mouthwatering treats and keep track of your fitness goals? Well, it is entirely possible!
This article will help you crack the code to staying fit without giving up all your favorite holiday treats and fancy dinner parties.
Planning Effectively
Planning will help you streamline your eating habits and fitness regimes. You can plan your workouts in between the festivities and dinner parties. Mark the hours on your calendar. You can start your day with an early morning run or hit the gym before dinner.
So, you can schedule your workout sessions during the day, anytime before the evening. It is also wise to plan your portions. How many slices of cake will you allow yourself today? Will you help yourself to another serving of the casserole or limit yourself to one?
Make an Investment
Do you find it hard to hit the gym or muster the motivation to workout at home watching YouTube tutorials? Consider making an investment that will make workouts more manageable and fun. For instance, you can invest in a classic vertical climber machine. This powerful exercise machine guarantees full-body training.
A vertical climber will engage all your core muscle groups and help you build lower body strength. It is excellent for abdominal fat, and it will help tone up your legs. However, if you’re looking for something a little less intense, buying a yoga mat would be an excellent idea. You can also shop for some dumbbells so that you can start weight training at home.
Dance it Off
Everyone loves dancing. Dancing is the best way to bust off those calories, and you don’t even need to step out of the house. Schedule an hour of dancing, and you can explore any genre you like. There are countless videos and tutorials on YouTube, which can motivate you to sign up for online Zumba and other dance classes.
Dancing is a great strategy to bust off stress and get an hour of intense cardio that involves full-body movement. You can always hit the clubs at night to dance the night away and get your daily dose of exercise!
Make Time
The holiday season is busy for everyone, especially if you’re a parent, a business owner, or a restauranteur. We all find ourselves running around, catering to our families, clients, and customers. Making time for exercise can prove challenging, but the key is to squeeze in some time whenever you can.
You can take small 20-30-minute breaks to go for a walk. Lift some weights and do some strength-training exercises right after waking up. You can also walk instead of taking the bus on your shopping trips. The key is to hold yourself accountable for finding those 20-30 minutes to exercise and pump up your heart rate.
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator is another excellent strategy. You can also run up and down your stairs at home to get 20 minutes of intense cardio. Mountain climbers are an ideal exercise for those who struggle to make time and want to see results.
Manage your Diet
It’s always challenging to find balance when you want to lose weight and devour all the delicious holiday treats. Even though it seems an impossible endeavor, finding that balance is easier than you think. It’s all about management and patience. Managing your diet will help you lose weight or at least avoid putting on more weight.
It is pertinent to note that diet amounts to 70%, while exercise is 30% of the strategy for losing weight. Controlling and managing your diet is instrumental. If you wish to enjoy a hearty dinner, consider skipping lunch and eating a light breakfast. If you’re attending a fancy luncheon, skip out on the dinner and go for a run instead.
Drinking warm water and freshly brewed green tea helps curb untimely cravings alongside reducing hunger. Consider having a glass of warm water before starting any meal, as it will help you eat less by curbing your appetite.
Find a Partner
Exercising and dieting become more manageable and even enjoyable when you have a partner to keep you competitive. Comparing your goals and progress will help you stay motivated. A partner will also help you stay accountable for your goals and focused on your efforts. Consider encouraging your spouse or partner or a close friend to join in your regime.
Conclusion
The tips mentioned above will help you have your cake and eat it without worrying about those unwanted extra pounds. Just stay focused on your goals, and get at least 20-30 minutes of intense cardio each day to burn off your calories. Managing your portions, pausing in between servings, and consuming warm water will work wonders. You can also explore some natural appetite suppressants, such as apple cider vinegar.
