Tips for keeping fit over the holidays

Keeping fit over the holidays may seem an impossible task. All of the delicious food that goes hand-in-hand with the holidays is hard to resist. You may have neither the time nor inclination for your regular exercise during the busy season. Christmas shopping, party planning, getting ready for guests and other errands combine to weaken resolve and send willpower the way of the North Pole. But a few strategies can help you navigate holiday fitness obstacles with no regrets on the other end.

Step 1
Set the achievable goal of simply maintaining your current weight, and consider yourself a success if you make it to January without any extra kilograms. Losing weight is notoriously hard during the holiday season. Holiday weight gain, while averaging only half a kilo overall, is as much as two and a half kilos for those already overweight or obese, according to studies. But don’t think you’re off the hook if you only gain half a kilo, the study also found that the half a kilo usually does not go away, and may account for more than half of that creeping annual adult weight gain.

Step 2
Navigate holiday meals wisely. Have a high-protein snack ahead of time; for example, beef jerky has surprisingly few calories, but packs in the protein, which will help you feel full. Or, choose cottage cheese and fruit; either way, you will eat less at the dinner or buffet table.

Step 3
Save the best for last. Keeping fit doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of holiday goodies, maybe just save them for last. Eat the salads, fruits and vegetables first, with low-fat dressings and dips; you will be less likely to binge later on the sweet and fattening fare that usually accompanies holiday meals.

Step 4
Cut back on what you eat on Christmas Day itself to save calories. If you’re going to have a piece of pavlova after dinner, skip the chips. The holiday season is full of potlucks and parties, and skipping meals to save room for them may backfire on your fitness goals. You’ll likely end up so hungry by the time the potluck rolls around, you will overeat, and any perceived benefit will disappear.

Step 5
Reward yourself for exercise. Stay motivated to exercise by giving yourself incentive. The little things you do for yourself are often the first to go to accommodate the holiday rush. So, when you can fit your workout into your day, pamper yourself. Take an extra-long shower, watch your favourite TV show or stretch out in the garden with a good book. In all of the holiday commotion, remember to take care of yourself, too.

Step 6
Stay active. Some days you just won’t be able to fit exercise into your holiday schedule. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. Don’t drive if you can walk. Step up the pace while you’re shopping for gifts, and go for a stroll after dinner, or even before. Every little bit adds up to help you maintain fitness and keep those holiday kilos at bay.