Why you need to track your calories over Christmas more than ever.
You don’t.
I wonder how many people will have clicked on to this blog to see what crap I was going to write about how you must track every single calorie and just because it is christmas doesn’t mean you are able to just sack of your diet blah blah blah.
Well you will be pleasantly surprised to hear that isn’t what this is about. More so just a few tips that have worked for myself and my clients over the years of what we like to call ‘the month of damage limitation’. December is filled with social occasions that the majority of us wouldn’t have on a usual month, mince pies, cheese, mulled wine and any other alcohol we can get our hands on.
So instead of being a ‘grinch’, ‘scrooge’, or ‘dick’, if you want to track your calories religously throughout december then good for you, but don’t shame others for wanting to enjoy theirselves with family and friends through this festive period which many people do actually suffer with SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). For some people these social occasions are what keep them going through these times.
However, with this being said, I do agree that you don’t have to just throw away everything you have worked hard for all year for the sake of over indulging on mince pies and sweets every day.
A few things you can do:
Plan ahead your social calendar - If you know you have a christmas party on a friday evening, monday to friday lunchtime you could ensure you are being careful with what you are eating and drinking and not over indulging because you are most certainly going to do it at the party and maybe even the morning after.
Drink low alcohol/no alcohol drinks inbetween alcoholic drinks - this one has several positives, it will not only keep you hydrated but it will also reduce the effects of your hangover in the morning along with a reduced amount of total calories consumed.
Consistency is key - keep to your exercise routine regardless of how strict you are being with your diet, keep exercising and this will contribute to putting you in a better place to continue your journey in January.
If you are like me and enjoy a mince pie most nights (while they are available) then all you have to do is reduce the amount of calories you have in one meal to offset the mince pie. I tend to have a little less carbs with one of my meals which will allow me to have my mince pie guilt free. (FYI I reduce carbs not because they are bad for me, but simply because I value my protein more and there is next to no calories in my veg).
In an effort to reduce overall calories where I can I will load up my plate with vegetables/salad every single time I eat to make sure I am still eating plenty of food.
Christmas is supposed to be an enjoyable time for you and your family, so don’t over stress about how many calories are in this and that, just keep yourself accountable, keep up the exercise routine and you will be in a great place to kick on your health and fitness journey when January comes along.
If you are stuck on what to do for your exercise why not come down and train at FBC Harrogate? Follow the link below for a 7 day FREE TRIAL!