Top 5 Strategies for enjoying the festive period without the guilt and piling on the pounds!

Well it’s that time of year again and I thought I’d write up some tips, strategies and pointers for the festive period.

I remember going back around 10 years ago and in the space of 2 weeks I was a stone heavier from over eating, drinking and doing very little activity so I’ve been there and it’s not ideal!

Typically most people tend to over indulge, pile on the bodyfat and then feel guilty afterwards, and then are in a position where they have a ton of work to do in January trying to undo the damage.  I don’t want this to happen to you.

First and foremost I want you all to enjoy yourself over Xmas, which means yes have a few drinks, enjoy your food and spend quality time with your loved ones, family and friends.

However, you are still athletes and have goals, so it’s definitely not an excuse to make a pig of yourself just because it’s Xmas!

It’s all about balance and everything in moderation, and if you get it right, then you’ll find yourself having the best of both worlds and won’t feel guilty in January!

1 – PLAN AHEAD

If you know you’ll be going out for say a restaurant meal and a few drinks then simply trim back on your calories earlier in the day to create a deficit and then enjoy your meal, dessert and a few drinks.

This doesn’t mean skipping breakfast or starving yourself though.

2 – EAT PROTEIN FIRST IN MEAL

Protein takes a little longer to digest than Carbs, so for example if you’re having a typical Xmas Roast Meal, try eating your Protein first and take your time to chew and digest the food.  You’ll find that you may be fuller sooner and instead of over eating on Roast Potatoes etc or having 3 plates of food.

Satisfy your cravings with a bit of everything in moderation and then stop eating as soon as you are starting to feel full.

3 – AVOID BINGEING

Of course enjoy your meals, including dessert and alcohol,  but it’s not an excuse to have 3 desserts plus loads of biscuits afterwards in one sitting or tons of booze. This is when the calories soon add up to the thousands and bodyfat will quickly pile on. Then trust me you will feel like s@@@.

4 – ADD IN SOME EXTRA EXERCISE

Throw in some extra weight training sessions or perhaps some Cardio

This doesn’t mean do hours of cardio to compensate for the extra calories, but if you currently do limited cardio, there’s no harm in throwing in either 1 or 2 High Intensity (HIIT) cardio sessions of 15 to 20 mins, or some steady state low intensity for 30 to 60 mins.

This can be outside in the fresh cold air.

High Intensity could be some hill sprints (sprint up and then walk down rest 60-90 secs and repeat for 6 rounds).

Low Intensity a brisk walk somewhere.

If it’s inside then low intensity cardio or HIIT can be done on the treadmill, cycle, cross trainer.

Why not even try ‘Tabata’ style workouts with your bodyweight i.e. squats, mountain climbers, lunges, press ups (circuits or bursts of 30 seconds followed by a rest and then repeat circuit).

5 – GOAL PLANNING

December and not January is a perfect time to start thinking about what you really want to achieve next year.

This isn’t just about your fitness goals. It really could be anything you want to achieve and get out of life.

Be specific and with timescales. Know matter how small or big your goals are don’t talk about it. Write your goals down and put them into action!

Hope you all have a great Xmas and New Year!

DL  #TEAMLEES

www.damianleestailoredfitness.co.uk