It’s that time of year when parties and festive feasts are on the menu and I’ve spoken to many a concerned client about the effect it may have on their health and fitness plan. It is well known that most people don’t ever lose the pound or two of weight they put on during the Christmas period even with the best intentions.
So, rather than waiting for the New Year to start thinking about what you can do to offset the indulgence, start preparing for it now. For a limited time only, I am offering a 3 session starter pack of personal training sessions for £165 with nutritional planning included free (worth £125). This must be booked by 23rd December 2014 and can be used any time up until 23rd January 2015. I can provide a gift card if you are buying this package deal as a present.
In the mean time, I have compiled a 5 step strategy to help you through December.
- Choose your alcohol wisely. By far the most calorific and highest in sugar of all drinks, are beer, cider and cocktails with sugary mixers. If you’re looking to hone or keep a buff body, ditch them. This is non-negotiable. Wine is in the middle so you can enjoy this in moderation, with red wine having slightly more health benefit than white. Champagne or vodka, sparkling mineral water and fresh lime are the lowest in calories and also contain minimal sugar. These are the drinks of choice if you want to minimise the effect on your waistline but as always, moderation is key.
- Go easy on the starchy carbohydrates. Christmas dinner is great but who says you have to have potatoes and stuffing? Favour the protein – roast turkey, lean ham, pigs in blankets (if they’re good quality) and smoked salmon. Load up on vegetables – brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, swede, broccoli, cabbage or any others you may have. Gravy is fine as long as you don’t have too much but watch out for super-sugary cranberry sauce.
- Treats. Mince pies, sausage rolls, crisps, cakes and milk chocolate. See them for what they truly are, wrinkle-causing, bloat-inducing little moments of pleasure that derail your hard work. I often hear “but a little bit is okay right?”. In terms of calories this is true but are the cravings and mood fluctuation that follow worth it? I’d much rather stay energetic and craving-free personally especially when you can have 70% dark chocolate and stay healthy with a big dose of magnesium and less sugar per two squares than a handful of cherry tomatoes. Buy some dark chocolate and take it to your festive feast so you can pass on the milk chocolate and offer this around instead. This is what I’m buying for an after dinner treat http://www.hotelchocolat.com/uk/shop/christmas/small-chocolate-penguins
- Keep up the training. Get up early and do a quick 10 minute routine. Follow the videos on my website and create a mini workout. Do each exercise for 20 seconds with a 10 second rest and repeat for 8 sets. This is called Tabata training and if you move through each exercise quickly whilst maintaining good form it’s sure to get the blood pumping. Boost your results by applying this style of training to the other exercises in your training plan as well.
- Stay hydrated. Even 1% dehydration effects performance and your body’s ability to burn fat properly. This is even more important when you’ve been out drinking. Use this quick hydration calculator to see how much you need and make it a priority http://nutrition.about.com/library/blwatercalculator.htm
