10 TIPS TO STAY IN SHAPE DURING THE HOLIDAYS 📝

It can be difficult to maintain your fitness regimen with a busy schedule and tempting holiday treats everywhere you look. As we approach the best (and busiest) time of the year, keep your fitness top of mind with these 10 tips to help you stay in shape over the holidays  👇

1. Don’t skip meals: Stick to your regular eating schedule even on party days. If you skip meals earlier in the day to account for the food and drinks you will be consuming later, you are more likely to over eat at the party.
2. Eat the food, but don’t eat all of it. Start by limiting appetizers - it’s easy to consume a whole meals worth of calories from just a few appetizers. Only pick the ones you REALLY enjoy. Have just 1 plate of food. Fill the plate with lean proteins, vegetables and healthy carbs (sweet potato, mashed potatoes, rice). Moderate your toppings, sauces and garnishes. Similarly to our appetizers, the calories in these  can add up quickly and  we often don’t think twice about them.
3. Drink LOTS of water: This will keep you full and help to dilute the sodium commonly found in many holiday foods. Drinking water or chewing gum at a party can be a great way to prevent mindless eating.
4. Re-think your drink: Holiday drinks can sneak up on us, especially the alcoholic kind. This is your reminder that alcohol has 7cal per gram… almost as much as a gram of fat. I know it can be difficult to avoid drinking over the holidays, so if you ARE going to drink, drink responsibly. Stick to seltzers, light beers or clear liquor and water/diet soda. 1 cup of egg/hot chocolate has over 250cals. Spice up your water by adding cucumber slices, cranberries and other fruits. 
5. Eat slowly: Don’t rush through your meals, chew slowly, and enjoy every last bite. This will allow your brain to catch up to your stomach and stop you from overeating. Listen to your body!! You don’t have to eat all the food at once, if you’re full, save some for tomorrow. Before going back for seconds, wait 15-20min, drink a glass of water and then reassess your hunger.
6. Bring along a healthy option: Everyone loves more options whether it’s dinner or dessert and I’m sure many people will appreciate having a healthy one. Bring dishes that have less added fat and added sugar. If you’re bringing a dessert, opt for a fruit tray. You can’t go wrong with a fruit tray. 
7. Stay active: the holidays are a busy time, but that doesn’t give you an excuse to sit on your butt all day. Start your day with a walk (bonus points if you can get outside for it). Getting up early and moving your body will be the key to feeling good over the holidays. Park your car further away, whether you’re going to the grocery store or a party. Get the extra steps in when you can. You don’t need a full hour or two to be active. Even taking 10-15 minutes to go for a quick walk is better than nothing.
8. Remember why you’re there. You’re there for the company, the memories and the good times. Focus on the party not the eating and drinking. Make a conscious effort to engage in meaningful conversation with family and friends.
9. Avoid the food coma, go for a walk: A brisk walk after eating a big meal will help to improve digestion and stabilize blood sugar levels.
10. Don’t let a slip become a fall. Many of you I’m sure can get very anxious over the holidays. If you do end up eating more than you had planned, don’t beat yourself up. Shake it off and get back to your healthy eating habits as soon as possible.

 Have a safe and happy Holidays from your 1LF Fam! 🎄