Tips for Healthy Holiday Eating

The holidays are a time to gather with family and friends. Too often, it is also a time for over-eating and weight gain. Gaining an extra pound or two each year can be significant over a lifetime. Cross Fitters tend to take their health and fitness a little more seriously than the rest of the population, but that doesn’t make them immune to tempting foods and busy schedules. Here are a few tips to maintain your weight through the holidays.

1.  Increase your exercise!

Research shows that those who engage in more physical activity gain less weight over the holidays. If you normally do 2 or 3 WODs  per week try to get in 3-4 WODs per week during November and December. There is no need to wait until after the first of they year to increase your physical activity to make-up for holiday eating.

2. Eat before the main event.

Rather than “saving” your calories for a party or event, plan to eat something healthy before you arrive. Having a piece of fruit, a handful of nuts, or veggies with peanut butter or hummus may help keep you from overeating later.

3. Veg out!

If you’re going to a holiday party party (or the Block CF Tthanksgiving potluck) fill your plate with veggies and lean protein first. Offer to bring a healthy dish to share if you aren’t sure what will be served.

4. Reward yourself.

Allow yourself to enjoy desserts and things that are only served on special occasions. Just enjoy in moderation.

5. Don’t dwell on poor choices.

If you eat more than you know you should have or feel like you have completely sabotaged your healthy eating plan. Forgive yourself, move on, learn from the experience, and get back on track.

6. Maintenance = Success.

Make an effort to maintain your weight over the holidays rather than focusing on weight loss. Trying to lose weight can become overwhelming and more difficult during this time of year.