I know that post-Christmas is the WORST when it comes to feeling great about your middle-section.
Earlier this year I was very consistently attending sessions at Results Room with my lovely PT Laura. For three whole months I sweated it out at the gym. I was blown away because generally I prefer boiling the kettle to kettle bells. What made it work was Laura. Laura is the BOMB and made working out so much easier (even fun!).
While you might have already done the damage this silly season, you can always get back on track.
While it could be tempting to pick up a New Idea and follow a silly diet, getting professional advice is always best. I asked Laura, ‘What can we do to cope with post-Christmas indulgence'?’.
Here’s her answer.
EXERCISE - HOW TO STICK TO IT
1. Find your workout buddy
“Having someone to train with is always more motivating than trying to do it all alone (whether it’s a friend, partner, personal trainer or group of people). You will either be sharing in the sweat and pain together, or you will have a smiling, encouraging face to cheer you on through it.”
2. Find the style of exercise that works for you
“If you really enjoy running, then go for it. If running isn’t your thing, and you love to lift weights, then do that. If you can find something you enjoy then you will find it much easier to motivate yourself to go out and exercise.”
3. Think positively
“Train your brain to be more positive towards exercise, and celebrate all the successes along the way. Rather than thinking, ‘I did that faster last week’, or ‘I am not as good as that person’, find the positives in your own exercise. Praise yourself for actually managing to get to the gym despite it being hard day at work, or for being in a better routine and doing a lot more than this time last year.”
4. Record your workouts and your successes
“If you keep track of all of your training either on your phone or in your own workout book then you will hold yourself more accountable and you have a visual marker for your efforts.”
5. Sign up to events
“If you have signed up to an event, like a 5 km run or a cycle race or a walk, then you have a target and deadline to work towards. Just make sure that these goals and events are realistic too.”
MANAGING CHRISTMAS
Moderation is Key
“If possible, adopt a moderation mindset; Avoid the “screw it” and “go all out” attitude when it comes to food and drink this Christmas. The mindset of “Well, I’ve already broken my diet and had one piece of Christmas cake so I may as well have 10 more” will not do you any favours. If you are realistic, set your expectations from the start and tell yourself you will enjoy the food and the event, then you can have the one cake and one drink and then not have to deal with those feelings of guilt.”
Make healthier choices come first
“Even if you are going to have some treats over Christmas, make sure you are still putting all the good choices into your body first. So have a dinner with lots of protein and vegetables, so that you then feel content and full and probably less likely to have a big helping of dessert.”
Think about what your body will benefit from
“What does your body get from eating lollies and cakes...? Does it get all the vitamins and protein that it needs to stay healthy? When you are out for those Christmas drinks with work, think about what your body will need. It does not need alcohol, but it does need water, so in between alcoholic drinks have a glass of water as well. Not only will this reduce the alcohol intake, but it will help you cope with tomorrow much better too!”
Treat your health like you are making deposits in a bank
“For every-time you exercise, make a healthy choice over a non-healthy choice, or stretch and mobilise. You’re contributing to your overall balance of ‘health wealth’. Every time you make a non healthy choice you are withdrawing from that bank. We all love seeing the balance grow bigger and better and don’t want to be in the negatives, so apply this to your health too.”
Thank you Laura for your amazing tips!