The Holiday Season is Upon Us! Here are 5 Tips on How To Survive Without Gaining 5!
By: Coach Michelle & Coach D
1. Stay Active. Now is not the time to stop going to the gym, and it is a great time to pick up a new fitness routine. Get out and walk during lunch breaks and track your steps for accountability. Get a fitbit or download a wellness app onto your iPhone. ALWAYS take the stairs, and park further away when holiday shopping.
Can’t make it to the gym? Body weight workouts are very effective if you are pressed for time. We have a variety of “At Home Wods” that can be done anywhere. If you are traveling, check out local gyms, search for safe running or walking routes, and find ways to stay active. Get family members to go for walks to break up meals. Listen to some podcasts to get a break. Read: Best 24 Podcasts of 2016 and 50 Ways to Walk More.
2. Meal Prep. So many people dread these two words and say “but I don’t have time.” Everyone has an hour. And if you really feel crunched for time, try a healthy meal delivery company or a grocery delivery service like Instacart. Meal prep is SO important. Keep it simple. A quick google search turns up tons of healthy, quick crockpot recipes that require very little skill or time. Overnight oats are a great go-to breakfast or snack that takes minutes to prepare. Even making one or two healthy meals for the week will make a difference. Frozen vegetables, uncooked lean turkey patties, chicken sausage, and pre-cooked and cut sweet potatoes are all easy, healthy food items that take minutes to whip up. Here are some recipes to get you started: 15 Easy Crock Pot Recipes and Healthy Freezer Meals
3. Reel It In. The holiday season isn’t just about your favorite foods. Start some new traditions with your family and loved ones. For example once your Thanksgiving day meal is over leave the food table and hang out somewhere else with your company. Bring a new board or card game to play, go outside for a game of football or a walk around the block.
Once the day is over reel it in. Out of the 38 days between Thanksgiving and New Years try to remember that Thanksgiving is only ONE of those days, just as your work holiday party is only ONE of those nights. Don’t let those special occasions take over the whole month. Enjoy and savor your favorite Thanksgiving Day food and leave it at that.
4. Stay hydrated and limit alcohol intake. This is one of the hardest things for most people. Booze is everywhere this time of year. Your body has no use for it nutritionally; it turns to sugar and is stored as fat, leaves you dehydrated, and leads to poor late night diet choices. Eating healthy and working out all week will not undo the damages of binge drinking every weekend, and yes, it will eventually catch up to you. This is not saying never drink again; just pick your battles.
If and when you do drink, choose something lower in calories and sugar (vodka soda with a splash of juice, light beer, red wine, etc.). Stay away from mixed drinks, and make sure to drink lots of water. Read: Healthy Water Alternatives and Bottoms Up: Choosing Healthier Drinks.
5. PORTION CONTROL. When attending holiday parties, try to make most of your plate vegetables, the other quarter lean protein (think grilled, baked, broiled), and the last quarter whole grains or starchy veggies. All the fiber from the veggies will help keep you full and satisfied and will help with sugar cravings. If you are surrounded by all your favorite treats, this will also help prevent you from overeating.
When it comes to desserts, try to pick one or two treats that you just cannot live without, get a small portion, and really enjoy it. You can also make a healthy dessert or side to share so you know there will be at least one healthier option. People will also appreciate having a healthier option amidst a sea of unhealthy ones.
Turkey Day Schedule – Gobble, Gobble, Gobble, Gobble……
Wednesday 11/23 – Normal AM and mid day schedule. Open Gym from 1-4pm. We will be running a reduced schedule in the evening with All Levels classes in Southie Green only at 4,5,6&7pm.
Thursday 11/24 – Thanksgiving – 8am and 9am only
Friday 11/25 – All levels classes at 9,11,noon, 4,5,6 & 7 in Southie Green. There will also be Open Gym from 1-4pm.
Saturday 11/26 – Normal Schedule
Strength
Deadlift
3-3-3-3-3
ADV variation – with banded resistance
WOD 1
Death By Thrusters (aka Can’t Walk Straight for Days)
1 Thruster (95,65) 1st minute
2 Thrusters 2nd minute
3 Thrusters 3rd minute
…..
Level 2- (75,50)
Level 1- (55,35)
WOD 2
Core War
7 Minute AMRAP
15 Toes to Bar
30 Sit-ups