Don’t take weight-and-see approach to fitness plans

Many of us throw our healthy habits out the window come December.

It can feel impossible to stay on track with a health and fitness plan amid the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but it is possible.

Here are a few easy things you can do to ward off extra holiday weight:

Keep healthy, ready-to-eat snacks close by.

If you have things like veggies and hummus, fresh ready-to-eat fruit and raw nuts on hand, you’ll be less likely to give in to holiday indulgences just because they’re around. A treat here or there is fine, so long as you plan for it and enjoy it mindfully. Also, don’t be afraid to offer up healthy snacks when entertaining. Odds are, your guests will appreciate it.

Drink lots of water.

This is important all the time, but especially during the holidays when we’re busy and likely to indulge more than we regularly
do.

Water helps you feel full and energetic, and also helps flush toxins out of your system.

Aim for at least three litres per day. Also, a good rule of thumb if you plan on enjoying a few cocktails is to alternate your alcoholic beverages with water (still is best, sparkling second best).

You’ll save a lot of calories and feel better the next morning.

Get moving!

Those days off don’t have to be lazy. Choose to spend quality time with your friends and family outside — skating, skiing,
tobogganing or just plain walking — instead of inside on the couch. Every workout counts, even the fun ones.

Bottom line: don’t give yourself a free pass just because it’s December.

Enjoy your favourite treats but do it occasionally and mindfully, and keep as active as you can. Follow this advice and you may
just find your pants none-the-tighter come January.

Poul Nielsen is president and owner of Nielsen Fitness, provider of in-home personal training. For info or to book a complimentary consultation and fitness assessment visit [url]www.nielsenfitness.com.[/url]