Every year, the average American gains 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Yikes. It’s hard enough to maintain your current weight, or lose weight, so let’s not gain more that we’ll have to deal with in 2023!
Here are three simple ways to stay healthy and maintain your weight this busy season!
Apply the 80/20 rule.
Eighty percent of the time, eat well. Twenty percent of the time, splurge. With all of the Holiday sweet treats, social events and gatherings, it’s easy to find opportunities for that 20%! All other meals should be health-conscious; Pack your lunch, make dinner at home and make healthy, mindful choices whenever possible. That way, you can indulge in a decadent dessert at a Holiday party without worrying that your pants won’t fit tomorrow!
It takes an additional 3,500 calories to gain one pound, so if you are careful about what you can eat most of the time, the indulgences shouldn’t throw you overboard!
Don’t de-prioritize your workouts.
We know this season gets especially busy, but you’ll have the energy to keep up if you remain consistent with Pilates! And, the more consistent you are with your workouts, the healthier you’ll prefer to eat. No one wants to crush a great workout and then stuff their face with donuts. Well, most people don’t.
Consistency is always key. Keep your routine. It’s so easy to fall out of our routine if we begin filling it with other activities, so plan ahead and keep yourself accountable. Book your classes in advance and plan around your workouts. You’ll never regret taking care of your body, and your family will be grateful you did!
I was teaching a class this week and the students were quiet throughout. Typically there is some friendly chit chat during the hour, so I jokingly said, “I wasn’t sure if you hated or loved it because you were so quiet!” One student replied, “The love starts now that it’s 9:20 am. (because class just ended)!” Haha That’s exactly what I mean. Get through the workout and you’ll be glad you did!
Drink more water than usual.
Seriously, just carry a water bottle around with you and you’ll be amazed at how much water you’ll drink. I find that if I don’t have water with me, I could be a camel and not drink any water all day. But, if I carry it around with me, I’ll drink many bottles throughout the day! Stay hydrated. Speaking of camels, here’s a motivating tip… Do you know what is in a camel’s hump? No, it’s not full of water. It’s loaded with fat. Do you know why? That’s because fat cells hold water. So, if you aren’t hydrated, you’re going to hold onto your fat! Drink up!
Also, if you are indulging with some alcohol, you’ll make better choices with your food and alcohol intake if you throw some water in there! No one wants a hangover, or food guilt, the following morning.
Happy Holidays everyone! Stay safe, and stay healthy!
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If you are know you’re in need of some rest and relaxation, please join us in Grand Cayman this February for our Pilates Retreat.