If your focus in on full body fitness as we approach the end of the year, then it can be difficult for you to maintain your diet with so many pies, cakes, and cookies around. Then there are foods like mashed potatoes that are so delicious, but are loaded with carbs as well as total and saturated fat. What are you to do when all of these tasty foods start coming at you?
Exercise
Part of fighting off the holiday weight gain is to continue going to the gym and exercising throughout November and December. Most fitness centers in Brentwood stay open over the holidays, and even if you’re spending those days with your family, you can head to the gym the day after or as soon as it is convenient for you to get away. If you know that your routine is not going to be disrupted, then you can at least feel better about ingesting some calorie-rich foods that you’d generally avoid.
Moderation
Full-body fitness in Brentwood also means portion control. If you know that there a few of your favorite foods on the menu that are trouble for your waistline, have some measuring cups handy. You can allow yourself a half cup of stuffing, for instance, or three ounces of gravy. Don’t just indiscriminately pile food onto your plate, or you will quickly lose count of calories and recommended dietary amounts.
Substitution
You also can substitute healthier options for those foods that you know you want to avoid entirely. Instead of cookies or pies, why not a medley of fresh berries? If you love mashed potatoes, then you can substitute mashed sweet potatoes that have more fiber, or mashed cauliflower works as well. You can also ask the chef if they’d be willing to make some dishes for you without heavy cream, sugar, or butter. That way you can get a similar flavor to what you’re used to, but without all the guilt.
Don’t Submit to Peer Pressure
Finally, if you have that grandmother, aunt, or some other relative who is constantly trying to get you to eat more, make sure that you’re able to politely but firmly refuse that second or third helping. If they press the issue, inform them of your fitness goals and tell them that you’re trying to make some body-positive changes. They ought to be able to respect your wishes and back off.
Your full-body fitness goals don’t need to go out the window during the holidays, Brentwood. By carefully monitoring your food intake and your exercise routine you should be able to have some treats without completely throwing yourself off your pace for weeks to come. Don’t forget, you can navigate the holidays and enjoy yourself without getting stressed about going overboard.
