As I prepare the upcoming blog posts for the debut of the "new and improved" UltimateFitMom site (so excited!), I felt this holiday weekend was a perfect opportunity to suggest a simple trio of tried-and-true tricks you can use to stay focused, fit, and healthy through the holiday. Even if you feel you have no time, may not be in charge of the menu design or food prep, and don't want to seem picky or fitness-obsessed by your fitness-challenged peers, these three tips can be used by anyone in any holiday situation (regardless of how many kiddos, deadlines, or holiday stops you have this wonderful weekend)!
Tip #1: Don't skip your workouts! (And, up the intensity and the duration)
If your upcoming weekend or holiday vacation is sure to be packed with tempting, less-than-clean foods that normally don't grace your plate, have no fear! You already know the idea of the "cheat meal", and that it actually helps to improve your metabolic functioning by feeding your body added fuel in one sitting, so use your holiday meal as the perfect "cheat meal" that actually supports and fuels your fitness goals! Taking care to adhere to your normal runs, walks, swims, or bikerides, while staying on track with your strength training routine (a must!...as always!), you can find peace in knowing that your unexpected indulgence in Aunt Mary's delectable dessert or Uncle Rick's holiday buffet of all things tasty won't leave you in a crunch that takes a week to bounce back from.
Tip #2: Know What To Avoid
It actually surprised a lot of clients of mine to learn that prime rib is one of the leaner meats that can pack a ton of protein, too. One of the most popular dishes prepared for the holidays is prime rib, and (when the fat is discarded), this tasty temptation can be the star to a seriously sensational low-calorie plate. Adding green beans tossed with olive oil or salad, and either rice, baked potato (not loaded, obviously), or carrots, the typical holiday meal can be light and fit, but still holiday-worthy. Try to skip fatty meats, sugary treats, or side dishes that load up the fat with unhealthy ingredients like lots of butter, tons of cream, excessive sodium, or refined ingredients. If you can keep your portions in check, vary the colors to optimize nutrients, and minimize the unhealthy options, you're golden!
Tip #3: Don't Overdo
This little life mantra is applicable to just about every imaginable situation, but when it comes to the holidays, its a pretty perfect tip. Whether you want to talk sugary desserts, second (or third!) servings, starchy carbs, refined foods, or alcohol, the best bet: "don't overdo!"; just keep all things in moderation. Even on the other end of the spectrum, moderation is key: don't over-restrict, deny yourself tasty foods altogether, or make yourself crazy trying to create a holiday calorie deficit through excessive workouts. A one-day skip of your normal routine won't derail your efforts, so just keep things simple and enjoy your day off with family and friends on your holiday!
Wishing every Ultimate Fit Mom Happy Holidays!
-Britt
An all-in-one resource for women! Free tried-and-true workouts, recipes, and daily tips to help every woman become healthier, happier, and love her life even more as an Ultimate Fit Mom! -Britt Brandon, Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and 15-time author.
Be the UltimateYou!! Be an Ultimate Fit Mom!!
Be Healthy! Be Strong! Be Beautiful! Be the Best You!
An Ultimate Fit Mom is a woman who is dedicated! Dedicated to yourself, your family, your work, and your life, any woman can achieve success in every area of her life. With the right advice, encouragement, and support, you can become a healthier, stronger, even more beautiful woman who is able to be better in every area of your life because you feel better about yourself! There are no programs to buy here, no fees or memberships, no commitments of any kind...other than the ones you make to yourself! Start finding out the information you want and need in order to be the best you, and start transforming your health and your life to make your life as an Ultimate Fit Mom more amazing than you ever dreamed possible!
An Ultimate Fit Mom is a woman who is dedicated! Dedicated to yourself, your family, your work, and your life, any woman can achieve success in every area of her life. With the right advice, encouragement, and support, you can become a healthier, stronger, even more beautiful woman who is able to be better in every area of your life because you feel better about yourself! There are no programs to buy here, no fees or memberships, no commitments of any kind...other than the ones you make to yourself! Start finding out the information you want and need in order to be the best you, and start transforming your health and your life to make your life as an Ultimate Fit Mom more amazing than you ever dreamed possible!
I'm a mom of three who knows how challenging it can be to focus on yourself when you have relationships, children, work, and daily life requiring your attention at all times. The small improvements I've made paid off, and those improvements made me a better wife and mom, a more focused business owner, and a happier, more positive person. As a Personal Trainer, Fitness Nutrition Specialist, and author of fifteen health books, I want to provide you with the most up-to-date research, exercises, and nutrition information that will help you improve your health, your body, and your life simply and easily. I've experienced how much a healthy lifestyle can improve every area of your life, and I want to share that experience with you, show you how easy it can be, and provide you with the information, advice, and tips you'll need to achieve the same!
I am always eager to hear questions and comments from my readers, and will always answer, so please feel free to contact me with any feedback!
Thanks for Visiting!
Britt