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This post is for anyone and everyone who has a hard time sticking to their fitness and health goals during the wintertime. I wanted to make this post because I know a lot of people can struggle around this time of year (myself included) with all of the yummy treats and family get-togethers. I wanted to include some lifesaving tips you can use to stay fit this winter while still savoring the moment and not feeling sad because you are on a ‘diet’.
However, do yourself a favor and DON’T go on a strict diet like keto, or an unattainable meal plan at this time of year. If you do it can make the holidays less delightful by worrying about calories and being able to stick the plan. Not only this, but when you restrict your self into a major diet, you will end up binging on a bunch of food later on which is a big no no because it messes with your metabolism.
So let’s get into some significant tips on how to stay in shape while everyone else is stuffing their face
Remember your why
Remembering your why is super important because you need to think about why you started this healthy lifestyle. There is a reason you don’t eat the way you used to or why you started working out.
Some people may have the motivation to get off their diabetes medication, lower blood sugar levels, or lose the visceral fat that contributes to heart disease. It could also be something as simple as wanting to see some more muscle definition or tone up. Whatever it is, don’t forget it because it is your biggest motivation factor for why you live this way. This is one of the biggest tips that will keep me from binging on a bunch of food as I have in the past, and my reason for continuing to go to the gym!
Don’t drink your calories or sugar
Don’t waste your calories on calorie-dense drinks when there are better foods to spend your calories on. If you want to eat a bit more at your family gatherings, I really recommend skipping out on sugary drinks like sodas, heavy calorie alcoholic beverages, and heavy coffees.
If you really want some sweet drinks, try out some lower calorie or sugar-free drinks instead OR, my personal favorite, WATER. Drinking lots of water this season will not only keep you tight and toned up, but it will also keep you hydrated. Staying hydrated during this dry season will be beneficial for your body, skin, and hair health. If you need special drinks, then drink one but don’t go overboard with it! Also, there are lots of sugar-free options out there and Pinterest has some awesome recipes too!
Eat more warming, wholesome tasty foods
Warming comfort foods will satiate the need to eat all the heavy foods out there. Lots of fresh warm soups that taste good will help you stay full, happy, and healthy! You can also do some cool things with veggies to create comfort foods.
You can make cauliflower gnocchi, cauliflower mac and cheese, zoodle dishes, low carb eggplant lasagnas, and some sugar-free desserts too. These will all keep you on track of your goals by keeping you warm this winter and satisfying that need for all the heavy comfort foods.
Make your favorite foods into a healthier version
Like number 3, you want to eat yummy comfort foods- but with a twist. Make your favorite holiday foods but in a healthier version! You should already be used to eating pretty healthy anyways considering you have been hitting the gym hard and eating good right?
This won’t be hard when Pinterest is perfect for finding healthy versions of your favorite foods like mac and cheese, potatoes, pies, and other comforting dishes (check em out on Pinterest!). This has SAVED me when I want all the sugary things (I have the biggest sweet tooth ever).
Switch up your gym routine
Since its winter now, you may want to try switching up your routine by making it more fun! Do things you haven’t done before like maybe trying a hit workout, kickboxing class, cycle class, or even weight lifting. All of these activities will not only keep your body in shape, but they will change up your old fall routine so you can challenge yourself and get excited. Only do things you love of course as that will help you stick to it long term. ?
Buy something to keep you motivated
When I say buy something I’m talking, some new workout shoes, a cute gym outfit, a delicious pre-workout, a Minty Chocolate protein cookie, or hot cocoa-flavored protein powder, or something that will keep you motivated to get to the gym or eat well. It will be your reminder to stay healthy this winter and to think yes I’m going to keep going for my goals (insert flexing arm emoji here).
Meal prep
THIS. Meal prepping will help you stay on track MORE than anything else besides #1 on this list. The reason why it’s so great is that you won’t be tempted to eat a bunch of junk! Stay on track and keep eating what you have been throughout the week or try something new and warming like protein pasta salad, Mediterranean style, or even Mexican inspired.
These ideas will encourage you to look forward to your healthy lunches and stay on track throughout the week. If you have food ready, you are less likely to eat junk, go out to eat, and snack on random things. Its also a good idea because during the week you will be eating nice and healthy so when that event comes up you can savor the foods without worrying about it.
Intermittent fast or Do more intense HIIT Workouts
Many people say that when you intermittent fast you can lose weight, however im still skeptical of this, it’s a great way to give a break on your digestion. Intermittent fasting is a window in which you eat all your calories in and then fast the rest of the day. I highly recommend just skipping breakfast early in the morning and eat from 11- 6 if you can. ? Also, knowing your macros can aid you from overeating in the feeding window. Fasting will ease your mind on holidays and other events where you know there will be lots of goodies!
Doing more intense HIIT workouts is an excellent idea because let’s be honest, we will be consuming a Lil more calories during this time. Let’s take advantage of it by using that excess energy in the gym to build our muscles or burn some fat.
Bring healthy dishes to family gatherings
Bringing healthy dishes will maintain your goals because you know exactly what’s in the food you prepared! It can also encourage others to eat a bit better too. Some dishes that are super delicious are sweet potato casserole, mac & cheese, or even some cauliflower mashed potatoes!
You can also bring a dessert and veggie platter with a healthy protein hummus dip to include some more fiber in your day. Bringing at least 1-2 healthier alternative dishes will save you the extra calories and ease your stomach.
Do not have the ‘f-it’ mentality
We all know this mentality because it usually comes around during this time of year. Don’t have it! This not only creates a bad relationship with food, but it also causes you to binge out, overeat, and feel guilty and sick afterward. Enjoy the foods but eat until satiety or until you are about 75% full, but don’t overthink it either. Enjoy the food don’t go overboard, remember your why, and be present with family looking forward to the memories you will share rather than stressing about food and calories on your special events.
If you do have the f-it mentality, it will be harder for you to get back into your healthy lifestyle, instead, focus on the progress that you have made, walk away from the situation, chew some gum, or drink water.
I hope these tips will help you this holiday season when preparing for dinner events and other fun gatherings. Whether its work or other functions, you got this fit babe. Remember the most important thing is to enjoy your time and not overthink it.
Drink your water, kill it in the gym and eat your veggies ?
Xoxo,
Dacia
Romans 15:13
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.“
psst!! Need some ideas for gift giving? Check this out!
