The Eating Season is Upon Us

By Raquel "Rocky" Herron, Fitness Manager

We've made it to November, which as we all know, starts the eating season...I mean the holiday season! Undoubtedly this time of year is marked by copious amounts of food, from Thanksgiving turkey to New Year's cocktails. There's no shortage of cookies, pies, or Christmas hams. It's quite honestly, "the most wonderful time of the year." I know for many, this time of year is a stressful time, and often health and fitness take a back seat. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee or protein shake, and enjoy these tips on how to stay active and enjoy your favorite holiday eats during this busy, fun season.

If we made it through a holiday season without indulging in our favorite cookies or mashed potatoes, it truly would be a Christmas miracle! Most of us tend to eat a little more when the holidays roll around. There's no need to stress about this, but rather try to make smart choices most of the time. For example, if you know that you're going to have a big dinner on Thanksgiving, don't overdo it at breakfast.  Instead opt for a wholesome breakfast of a couple hard boiled eggs and some oatmeal, or a veggie omelet with a side of nitrate free bacon. Also, you don't have to starve yourself all day until "the big meal," as people generally tend to over-eat when they engage in this behavior. Just eat normally, as in eat your normal portions. There is no rule that says you need three servings of pumpkin pie because it's Thanksgiving. Be mindful and enjoy your pie, but don't overdo it. If you have to lie down after you eat, you may have eaten too much.  

What about exercise? I thought you'd never ask! If scheduling exercise during the busy holiday season becomes a chore, simply step back and see where you can fit in at least two quality gym sessions. This may mean you're coming in for a class or a sweat session at a different time than normal, but that's ok. If you're going to have family or friends in town, bring them here to Pearce! Let them see what a great facility we have and take them to your favorite class. If it's around Thanksgiving, we put on an awesome Black Friday sweat session in group exercise that's free for everyone! Still need a little more encouragement? Sign up for a race!  This time of year is always full of jingle bell runs and turkey trots. Gather up your friends and make it a group effort. When you sign up and pay for an event, you're more likely to follow through with your fitness efforts.

  

Last, but not least, please don't wait until the New Year to get started on your fitness goals. Make an effort to continue or start your fitness efforts before the holiday rush. Waiting until the New Year will make getting healthy an even bigger task. By starting before the holidays, you'll be in full fitness swing when the New Year rings in. Plus, by starting now, you'll feel that much better sooner rather than later. 

Staying active through the holidays will also help lighten the stresses associated with cooking, cleaning, and gift buying. A quick jog or weight session will relieve your mind from the pressures the holidays can unfortunately bring. There's nothing like throwing on your headphones and getting lost in a workout for an hour!

 

The holidays are a busy, exciting time of year, but don't let that get in the way of your healthy habits. Try to make smart food choices most of time, but enjoy your favorites without guilt. Try to get at least two quality workout sessions in a week, to include both cardio and strength. Don't put your health on the back burner until the New Year. Continue with your fitness efforts through the holidays and your mind and body will thank you! I hope these quick tips help you stay on a very merry fitness path this season. Happy exercising!