As the Earth spins closer to the 2014 gregorian calendar year end, a time of celebration nears. Could it be possible to celebrate the upcoming holidays and still manage a healthy lifestyle? For many people focused on getting lean and healthy, the approaching holiday season can bring forth an overwhelming amount of doubt and stress.
“What if I can’t stop eating?” ”What if I gain weight?” “How can I stay healthy and still enjoy holiday meals with family and friends?” “Is anybody else experiencing the curse of holiday candy binges?
The questions and fear surrounding holiday time doesn’t have to be so bad. In fact, with enough foresight and dedication, any person with a fit body plan can achieve amazing fitness results and still enjoy some sweet and savory celebratory treats.
A LOW FAT HOLIDAY SPECIAL
If your holiday plans involve ‘eating out’ – try low fat meals. You can ask friends or family members to offer low fat dishes, or bring your own. If there are no low fat options, go vegan for the holidays. Eliminating animal products are proven one of the most effective ways to reduce fat consumption and increase your chances of slimming down.
Above all, make sure to eat enough sweet fruits and starches to avoid overwhelming cravings. Carbing up is proving to be a great way to kick cravings to the curb. When your body is satisfied with enough carbs, you won’t feel the need to indulge in fatty treats.
To read more about the weight loss and health benefits of a “Low Fat High Carb Vegan” lifestyle, you can check out this article “Raw Till 4”.
THE HOLIDAY MEAL PLAN
Above all, creating a meal plan and sticking to it will prove the most effective way to battle holiday binges. Always having access to healthy meals and snacks greatly reduces the inner dialogue/battle between food cravings and fitness goals. As a bonus, getting into the habit of meal planning during a busy season like the holidays will become a much easier/enjoyable process during less stressful times.
Nobody wants to starve during the holidays either. Now is the time to kick old habits to the curb. Emerge from the old school “starve/binge cycle” and succeed with healthy prepared meals/snacks. Pitch a holiday potluck idea to co-workers, family and friends – instead of ordering pizza or other unhealthy meals. Bring along your favorite ‘guilt free’ snacks to share. Guaranteed other fit conscious friends will be happy to have access to healthy holiday foods too.
Remember, keeping consistent with holiday meal plans is key. Eating enough meals throughout the day will also prevent night-time binges. Furthermore, reduce or eliminate alcohol consumption for the greatest holiday slimming results. Friends and family members will be amazed with such a dedicated focus on health.
KEEP MOVING
In places with cold holiday climates, exercising can become very difficult. However, implementing a regular indoor exercise/weight lifting schedule is one of the best ways to keep fit throughout the holiday season. If needed, wear an extra pair of socks – but keep moving. The best way to keep healthy year round, and avoid the winter flu or head cold is to keep the lymphatic system pumping.
Jumping jacks, skip rope, H.I.I.T (high intensity interval training) are all indoor activities that require little or no equipment, but burn loads of calories in a short period of time. Remember, keeping consistent with workouts, no matter what the weather, will ensure a fit body for life.
If all else fails, get up and dance. Many holiday traditions promote dancing, and dancing is a great way to burn fat.
SAY NO TO GMO CANDY
Enjoying holiday treats is certainly sweet. But why not make it Non-GMO candy? Genetically Modified Organisms (or GMO for short) is all over the news. Although the health risks are not known, it is much safer to avoid GMO then be affected later.
You can read more about the GMO controversy here. Or you can visit The Natural Candy Store and share some Non-GMO holiday treats this year with friends and family.
GUILT FREE HOLIDAY TREATS
Apple Pear Cider (10 Servings)
1 Quart of Apple Cider 4 Cups of pear juice/nectar 4 tbs of Organic Cane Sugar 2 large Cinnamon sticks 5 Cloves 2 tbs of Nutmeg
1.Put all ingredients into a large pot and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes.
2.Strain and serve.
3.This beverage tastes great at all temperatures.
Raw Blueberry Cherry Pie
If you can’t get enough pie during the holidays – try this healthy and sweet treat to eat.
Here is a step by step video in creating the crust and filling for a delicious holiday dessert. Your friends, family and or co-workers taste buds will be delighted.
Holiday Popcorn Balls (Low Fat)
½ Cup of Organic Molasses ¼ Cup of Organic Coconut Sugar ½ tsp of Cinnamon 1-3 drops of Organic Vanilla Extract 5-6 Cups of (air popped – no oil) Organic Popcorn
I1. n a saucepan, slowly warm the molasses, coconut sugar, cinnamon and vanilla extract together. Be careful not to burn the sugar. 2. Once nice and liquid, pour over the popcorn and moult into round ball shapes. 3. Let the popcorn balls set in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving.
HOLIDAY YOGA PRACTICE TO BEAT STRESS
To conclude, it is imperative to keep active and eat right during any holiday season if you want to keep a lean, clean and healthy body.
That being said, here is an excellent holiday “stress relieving” yoga sequence video that will complement any traditional celebration, anywhere in the world.
Happy holidays and may the fitness be within you.
Kaeli has always had an infatuation with keeping fit and improving life. Whether it is strength training, endurance building, or self-study research, she has devoted endless hours to them all. Her interest in health started at an early age. From swim competitions to long distance running, she discovered that keeping fit is an integral part of her life. After being diagnosed with... Read More
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