The holidays are in full swing and I am completely loving the change in seasons and holiday feel that surrounds us. Living in Carlsbad, there isn’t a dramatic shift in seasons but it is still evident with the fog and midst that Christmas is approaching. This is such a joyous time of year full of family, friends and of course Yummy Food! As fun and decadent this time of year, it can also be challenging to stay motivated and on track with your fitness efforts. I call this time of year maintenance season. It isn’t a time to go crazy and try to get rip chiseled but rather a time to keep yourself in a great place and avoiding the holiday gain. I wouldn’t suggest depriving yourself from your favorite treats or desserts rather enjoying the holiday season but being SMART. You don’t want all your hard work to go to waste or have SO far to go when 2016 approaches. I believe in balance and balance means enjoying this time with your loved ones and giving yourself permission to take a “break”.
What I would like to do is keep things REAL and offer realistic tips to help keep you on track and avoiding the holiday weight gain while enjoying your friends, family and holiday fun! SO here it goes, here are a few tips…
MOVE YOUR BODY
This is so important! Don’t stop just because it is cold outside or you are feeling the “Holiday Fever”. No matter how slow you go or how short your workout, I don’t care, just commit yourself to moving your body daily! Staying active throughout the holidays will not only help keep your weight in check but your overall health on point. You will NEVER regret a workout. Exercise releases endorphins so you have no excuse but to smile. Not to mention, it helps ease stress from the natural stressors that may come about during this holiday time.
Instead of having to break to the gym hours, that you don’t have, grab a friend and go for a walk or use a pair of dumbbells to get in a killer G-Fit Workout. Whatever it is, walk, run, stroll, home or gym workout … do something to move your body and keep your metabolism burning! Remember, it doesn’t take much but it does take something!
Do whatever it takes to get something in. I suggest you do something first thing in the morning. I find that if I don’t exercise first thing, the day takes over and before I know it it is time for dinner, kid snuggles and bed! Get in a quick Circuit Workout and start your day off right! Gain energy, burn calories and stay on track this holiday season with NO gym and limited time! I promise it is possible!
GET YOUR REST!
There are so many parties and obligations this time of year so it is only normal you may be hitting the pillow later than normal. Enjoy late nights but be smart because it is only inevitable that late nights can lead to poor food choices and cancelled workouts. When you are tired, your body produces more of the hormone ghrelin and not as much leptin. This is not a good combo, causing you to want to eat more and often more of the not so good stuff. This can cause unwanted holiday weight gain just from late night snacking!
SAY HELLO TO DEVOTION!
There was a time when I would indulge in my Nonnas’s Tiramisu or hit up the peanut butter jar (Yes I could easily put down 1/2 a jar in one sitting) but then there was Devotion… It satisfies my late night cravings without the sugar, fat and calories! Devotion Nutrition has changed my world! Now, I can have my Creme Brûlée Shake and eat it too! At night, my cravings come on strong and I have found a ways to satisfy that craving without the sugar, calories and guilt! It is called Devotion Protein Fluff!
Finding a healthier version of all my favorites is what has kept me on track and will keep you on track too! If you are like me, you LOVE to eat and you LOVE volume. That is why Devotion saves me, I can make a HUGE bowl of Creme Brûlée (or whatever flavor I am craving) Protein Fluff and I am in Fluff heaven, craving gone and none of that nasty bloated guilty feeling. The holidays have never been more enjoyable when you aren’t depriving yourself! Check out these killer Pumpkin Spice Waffles that I have been eating as a great anytime snack. They satisfy my cravings for sweet and carbs all in one.
Ingredients: (makes 1 large waffle)
2 egg whites
1/4 cup oatmeal
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1/4 cup water
1 stick Pumpkin Spice Flex Flavor
1 scoop Devotion Angel Food Cake
Instructions:
Pre-heat and spray waffle iron. Place all ingredients into high speed blender or food processor and mix thoroughly. Add all ingredients to waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Garnish with cinnamon and stevia if desired. Let cool and enjoy.
DRINK YOUR WATER!
Water is going to be your best friend this Season! Staying hydrated is key! Did you know that often when you feel hungry, you could be simply dehydrated? Staying hydrated will save unnecessary calories, eliminate toxins, keep your energy up and do so much more… I suggest you get in at least 3/4 of a gallon of water a day. What helps me is carrying around a cute water bottle where ever I go. I know how many times I need to fill the bottle and make it a game to be sure I get it all in. Check out more reasons to stay hydrated HERE.
HAVE A NEW YEARS PLAN!
The best thing you can do for yourself is not wait until 2016 to come up with a plan of how you are going to reach your new years goals. Start thinking NOW about your S.M.A.R.T Goals and the steps you are going to take to reach them. Learn more about my Goal Setting Tips HERE. Once you have a set plan of attack and the support surrounding you, the sky is the limit and you have what it takes to tackle your goals, reach them AND maintain them!! Check out my Ultimate Accelerated 6 Week NO GYM Necessary plan and Join the Challenge! 6 Weeks, The Plan, The Support, The Accountability, and the chance to win prizes!! This is just the challenge you need to stay focused and kick off your new year on the right food! I would love to help you be the BEST you can be in 2016! Join my UAP Challenge and get ready to start January 1st. SO excited to help you!
I hope this helps you enjoy this holiday season! Enjoy your time with family, friends and loved ones!!
xoxo
Gina
