- Schedule a big race that will keep you accountable. For the past several years, I've been training for November, December and January half marathons during this time of year. I have no choice but to keep running. Yep, you'll find yourself saying "I need a little more sweet potato pie, please".
- Enjoy yourself in moderation. Depriving yourself just never works. It makes you want that much more. Holidays are the time to spend with family and friends. In the south, it's all about the food! Enjoy it and don't get wrapped up in the guilt. Save your wrapping skills for the presents.
- Don't eat the things you can get any old time of the year. For example, I'm not going to put bread on my plate. Why bother? I'm also not going to waste my calories on sweet tea (a southern tradition). Drink water only and plenty of it. I will spend my calories on the yummy seasonal dishes that only come out this time of year. Just make sure they are in small portions.
- Run early. GET IT DONE. You will feel so much better and able to handle the stresses of the day. If you plan to run later, other "junk" will get in the way. After working, shopping, appointments, errands, cooking...I'm looking for the bed, not a run.
- Promise yourself a treat for not over indulging and sticking to your runs. I love me some new running clothes, shoes, or a spa day!!
Happy Holidays! I'd like to hear your tips for staying on track!
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Love all the tips! I use these tricks as well. Especially signing up for a big race. That way if I accidentally overeat sweets I'm still kind of okay... ;-)
ReplyDeleteExactly! Keeps the guilt at bay.
DeleteI have several races scheduled in the future so I am always in training over holidays. I have Vegas next wk then Goofy in Jan..Yay! -L
ReplyDeleteIt's so awesome you are doing Goofey! Good luck in Vegas!
DeleteI always need to have some sort of race on the schedule so I stay on track especially in the winter time. Good tips
ReplyDeleteConfessions of A Mother Runner
Yes. Racing is a great way to stay on track year round!
DeleteGreat tips! I need to remember to only eat treats that are worth it...
ReplyDeleteYes. Make it count!
Deletei'm a big fan of #4. i like my runs to start my day :)
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely not an afternoon runner!
DeleteLove the idea to treat yourself if you get in your workouts. Also, skipping the usual foods is a great tip!
ReplyDeleteEveryone needs a treat!
DeleteGreat tips! I'm always a fan of getting the run in early, especially around the holidays. Life gets too hectic and if you sleep in and decide to wait until after the festivities then chances are it will never happen!
ReplyDeleteI simply have no energy left later in the day.
DeleteAll of your tips are very good! #2 is something that I tell my clients. I don't mind hearing that they enjoyed themselves in moderation, but I tell them to not let the holidays become a free-for-all.
ReplyDeleteNot drinking your calories (unless it's good wine), is another great idea. And I never thought about not putting something on my plate that I can get any time, and only enjoy the seasonal foods. I'll have to remember that!
I agree about the wine. LOL. I use the seasonal food trick all the time. I'm not wasting space on my plate or in my stomach for everyday foods at a special occasion.
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