Thanksgiving kicks off the joy and excitement of family, time off from work/school, and (let's not forget) EATING!! Everywhere you turn food is all around. And when I say food, I don't mean grilled chicken and asparagus and protein shakes for dessert. I am a firm believer in setting yourself for success so I have a recommendation for those on their journey.
To those who have been working hard for a while: don't let this time of year be an excuse to let yourself go. This is not a free-for-all that you will not have to pay for later. You have worked so hard... depending on how you decide to eat could really set you back after you have come so far. On the same hand. I would recommend deciding what days you will enjoy the goodness of the holidays... example: thanksgiving, weekends in December, Christmas eve and Christmas day.... and eat well the other days and working out extra hard. The damage will be minimal and you can feel like you are not alone in the corner eating card-board food. The "splurge" eating will be a nice change.... and come January you will probably welcome the eating better option. When you change your eating habits you find that the way you feel after a heavy meal full of white flour and sugar leaves you lethargic, heavy, and unsatisfied. I truly do not enjoy junk food as much as I use to (and I'm thankful!).
To those who are kinda toying with the idea of making the change to a healthier lifestyle: This is a hard time of year. It doesn't mean that it isn't possible, but it will be a true test of your will-power almost immediately. If you are teetering back and forth over if you want to do it, let me stop you right there and say "DON'T". If you are already sitting the fence I say WAIT until January. However, if your mind is made up, and you have a goal in mind, then go forward FULL SPEED AHEAD! But the beginning is crucial and that means your will power will be tested from the start.
In whatever your decision is this holiday season, it's important to ALWAYS SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. Do not sabotage yourself. Make it a point to exercise every day for at least 30 minutes. Even if it is at home... find 30 minutes and pick 3-4 different exercises and "work hard". You should be sweating and breathing heavy at the end. Here is an at home work out you can do on those crazy days....
15 jumping jacks
8 push ups
10 sit-ups
10 squats
repeat
Set your timer for 30 minutes, turn on some tunes, and do the entire circuit over and over again until the timer chimes. The beginning will seem easy, but after round 10 those push ups will start getting harder. Push thru the burn, you will get your heart-rate at a nice increase, the resistance exercises will be great for your muscles, and the interval training (constant change in exercises. heart rate, and intensity) will be great for weight loss.
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
