Don’t Let One Week Undo All Your Success
Each year, just after New Year’s Day, people flood to gyms and fitness clubs to kick off a new weight loss routine. Or, they try get back on track with the one they abandoned in the face of too much holiday cheer.
But it doesn’t have to be this way.
If you’ve been working to lose weight for much of 2020, with the tools you’ve gained, you can stay Curves strong and keep it going through the holiday season. Here’s how:
Keep moving.
With all the extra things to do during the holidays, it can be tempting to veg on the couch at the end of the day. But it’s more important than ever to keep up with your exercise plan, even if that means taking a break from Curves for a few sessions. Go for socially distant walks with friends and family members, vary up your Curves routine by trying a new class or MyCurves on Demand workout, or hike through the woods to get your Christmas tree. Use the holiday season as an opportunity for different kinds of physical activity rather than as an excuse to take a break from your routine.
Think about what you eat.
With all the endless buffets of cookies, dips, and other holiday treats, it’s easy to mindlessly put down thousands of extra calories in the joy of the season. Studies show, when you’re distracted, you’re more likely to overeat.1 Stay mindful of your weight loss eating plan and think about each food before you eat it. Opt for a veggie, fruits, nuts, and seeds. If it helps, take a deep breath before you make a food choice, and chew your food slowly and thoroughly. If you still find yourself mindlessly munching, avoid snacking at holiday parties altogether.
Get plenty of zzzs.
Some people make the extra time for holiday shopping, cooking, and wrapping by skimping on sleep. Bad move if you want to stick with your weight loss routine. Sleep deprivation stimulates appetite, causes you to make poor food choices, and saps the energy you need to get through your full body workout. So, during the holidays, make an extra effort to get the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep.2
Try not to stress.
Your list of holiday tasks may seem insurmountable but remember: you got those things done in past years, and you’ll get them done again this year. If you stress, you’ll be more likely to overeat unhealthy holiday foods.3 Plus, stressing about baking cookies, wrapping gifts, or missing out on holiday parties will take some of the fun away from these festive activities.
Limit liquid calories.
It seems no matter where you turn during the holiday season, there are sugary or alcohol-laden drinks. Sodas, juices, and spiked eggnog all serve up lots of empty calories without making you feel full, which can lead to weight gain. Plus, by lowering your inhibitions and stimulating your appetite, alcoholic drinks can make you more likely to indulge in additional food calories, too. Instead, drink water, sparkling water, tea, or another beverage that is lower calorie or calorie-free. If you want to add flavor too hot or cold drinks, try cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon, or lime.
Make connecting the priority.
Some of the best parts of the holiday season are celebratory times with friends and family. Make it a point to set up virtual holiday parties with friends and family, to catch up with as many people as you can, and engage in stimulating conversation. You’ll feel better and they will too!
Keep an eye on your weight.
If you’re wondering whether the holidays or the past year have been interfering with your weight loss routine, step on the scale periodically to see where you stand. You don’t have to weigh yourself every day—once or twice a week will give you a sense of whether you’re staying on track.
The holidays are a time of festivity and indulgence, and this year has more stress than most. It’s OK to partake a little. After all, we only live once. But avoid completely succumbing to the “I’ll get started after the new year” plan, which is bound to leave you starting 2021 with a few extra pounds. Commit to the weight loss routine you’ve worked so hard to adopt, and the milestones you’ve worked so hard to achieve. If you do, you’ll kick off 2021 feeling stronger, healthier, and one step closer to ultimate weight loss success!
Your Curves Coach is there to lead you through every gym workout. With your Curves Coach success is within reach. Visit ‘Why Curves’ to find out more about Curves women’s only gyms and our full body workout on the Curves Circuit, or find your local Curves and sign up today!
REFERENCES:
