Intrafitt Performance Training Center

5 Freaky Fat Loss Holiday Helpers.

One of the most dreaded times of year where it is considered the ‘norm’ to gain weight and give into temptation because it is the only socially acceptable thing to do.

Well I’ve been known a little bit as someone who likes to go against the grain, but I’m also realistic. No doubt the holidays are tough but there is no reason why we can’t set reasonable goals but still enjoy the holidays a little bit. Here are five holiday fat loss helpers that will allow you to have your cake and eat it too (pun intended).

1. Set a plan- you know there are going to be social events, and days specifically where you will be challenged. Build your plan around them, and on those days choose two meals where you will use as cheat meals. I suggest working out on those cheat meal days so that the ‘damage’ is minimized by the cheat meals. Make sure you have a plan in effect so that your two cheat meals don’t turn into cheat weekends or weeks. Set a plan and stick to that plan.

2. Perform short workouts with higher intensity and little to no equipment. Using little to no equipment allows you to have diversity in your workout environment. You can train anywhere. And the short workouts are as effective and in many cases, more effective than longer workouts. The shorter workouts allow you to fit them into your busy holiday schedule.

3. Schedule your workouts earlier in the day. Scheduling your workouts earlier in the day allows you to get them done without trying to fit them in later in the day which tends to be taken up with dinner parties, get togethers, and family time. Most people don’t get up early to exercise during the holidays or early for anything (unless its cooking on Thanksgiving, or opening presents on Christmas), but you certainly can fit in a short intense workout before the festivities begin.

4. Hold the starch double the veggie. At meal times, minimizing the starchy carbohydrates and doubling up on veggies as well as having an extra portion of protein will help your nutrition and you won’t feel like depriving yourself. If you hold the starches at dinner, you have an opportunity to indulge in dessert. And won’t be overstepping on your unsupportive calories.

5. Don’t do it alone. There is a good chance that a family member or a friend would also like to minimize the damage the holidays can do to their waistline. So make it known what you are doing and put the offer out to others to join you so you can keep eachother on track and accountable. When your will power is weak and you want to fall off the supportive wagon, your support person may have the will power to say no and help you through the challenge.

The holidays don’t have to spell defeat. If you implement the strategies above, you can minimize the bulge to your waistline and come out of the other side of the holidays ready to kick it into high gear.