How to Stay On Track During the Holidays
By: Dan | Category: Motivation, Nutrition | Posted: 11-26-08
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, which means that the Holiday Season is definitely here. Along with it come all of the parties and get-togethers that can really throw you off track of reaching your goals if you let it!
Are You Up For a Challenge?
For the next month and a half I want to offer you a challenge: stick with whatever program you’re on! If you’re trying to lean up, keep working on it during the holidays. If you’re trying to bulk up, keep with it through the holidays. No matter what your goal is, just keep it up.
This is the time of year when a lot of people let themselves get off track. To me this really explains why so many people set a new goal for losing weight in the next year and sign up for a new gym membership. It’s all because they let themselves get off track in November and December!
Have an Action Plan
Now I’m not suggesting that you should avoid all of the parties and be a humbug this season. Not at all! I encourage you to go out and have fun and enjoy the season. What I am recommending is that you just be a little more aware of what you’re eating at the parties that you go to. Know what your limits are. Then stick to it.
Remember that you control what you put in your mouth. Sticking with it at a party or family gathering is going to take some extra discipline. You have to think about how bad you really want it! Sure, that extra slice of pie looks good, but is it worth it in comparison with what you really want to achieve? This is the question you’ll have to ask yourself a lot in the coming month.
Before you go to a gathering, just mentally prepare yourself to be aware that there will be lots of junk that you should either avoid or keep to minimum levels. Then use self discipline and stick with it. I’m not saying it won’t be tough to not take a handful of chocolates, but it’s worth it. Think of your goals, and stay motivated. If you have an action plan in place, you’ll be more successful.
And no, your action plan should not simply be doing extra cardio to burn off the extra piece of pie you ate!
Be the Exception
You have to realize that whatever your goal is, whether it is to be lean or bulk up, you have to be dedicated to that plan. You see, most people just go with the flow and let whatever happens happen. That’s why they gain so much weight during the holidays! That’s why they have to start all over when the new year starts. But you can be the exception.
Keep your motivation high during the coming month and a half. Be the exception to the rule that December is when most people gain the weight. Instead, let it be the month that you have some of your best results ever! The choice is up to you, so are you willing to accept the challenge?
3 Comments for "How to Stay On Track During the Holidays"
By Rob on Nov 26, 2008
I find that the holidays is the hardest time for me to keep on track. It’s just so easy to eat all the pies, candy canes, and chocolate that is laying out everything. I appreciate you making this challenge and I’ll see how I do!
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By Fitness Surfer on Dec 2, 2008
I thought I was doing good until the other night when I had three pieces of pizza. Not exactly the ideal holiday treat, but when family get’s together all the time something has to be for dinner. I went home and went to the gym.
The gym is what’s saving me thru the holidays. If I’m going to eat more then I need to burn more, that will at least keep me from gaining unwanted fat.
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Dan Reply:
December 2nd, 2008 at 4:46 pm
Admittedly, sometimes that’s the best you can do. And it’s especially tough when that’s all that’s available. I just try to keep things in moderation, and focus in my head on the goal. Good luck with your goals through the holidays!
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