If life were a game of Monopoly, Go Directly To Christmas and Collect a Free Pass to “eat-what-you-like-and-ditch-exercise-for-the-rest-of-the-year”, might be kind of cool. But in reality, why do we consistently muddle our health and fitness priorities, using holidays as a reason to forget them?
We humans don’t generally do things by halves. We especially tend to have an all or nothing mentality when it comes to food and exercise. Once December arrives, we hit the festive season in full swing. Personal Training appointments and regular workouts are replaced with a frenzy of Christmas parties, gift buying and hair appointments. Finger Foods and Champagne become basic food groups. Plates take on Mt Everest style proportions. Things, or should I say- people- start to go a bit crazy.
For Personal Trainers and Gyms, now is the quietest time of year and it’s no surprise to see the correlation between this and the busiest months- January and February. “ ‘Tis the season” takes on a whole new meaning – “ ‘Tis the season” we get fatter, lazier, unhealthier and more guilt-ridden as the New Year approaches..
So does it really have to be this way? Is it necessary to assume that all-or-nothing mentality? Accepting you’ll likely put on a few kilos at Christmas or giving yourself free reign until January, is simply purchasing yourself a ticket on the weight loss merry-go-round. It’s an endless cycle – lose weight>relax>put on even more weight>repeat madness. Around and around and around. I wonder how many are still trying to lose the weight from last Christmas?
Top reasons excuses for forgetting your health over the holidays..
- I’m too busy
- I’m going away for holidays
- I don’t want to “deprive” myself of food and alcohol
- I have family/friends staying from out of town
- It “all starts” next year
- I want to “live a little”/ “enjoy myself”/ “let my hair down”
- I need a “rest”
Like a Christmas wishlist, (by thinking like this) you’re literally placing your order ahead of time! But what if you were to take away those self-limiting beliefs and flip them over?
Top reasons I will keep eating well, moving more and consider my health over the holidays…
- I will make time to exercise regularly, because I will feel happier, think clearer and have more energy
- I will change my exercise routine and try something new for fun!
- I will make the best choices possible and still be able to enjoy my favourite treats in moderation.
- I will re-assess my health and fitness goals NOW so I can maintain my attitude of a fit and healthy person into the New Year.
- I will enjoy myself more, without the added guilt
Now read the above out aloud. Notice the words “more energy”, “fun” and “enjoy” are in there. Associate the goal with the reason for doing it, and the feeling it will give you. Sounds more empowering, yes? Achievable? Absolutely! Choosing the healthier option does not mean you can’t have fun, nor does celebrating mean you cannot have a healthy attitude. They CAN go hand in hand- you don’t have to choose just one or the other. So instead of jumping on the “it all starts next year” bandwagon, (which takes you directly to the weightloss Merry-Go-Round) why not take charge by choosing to get yourself in even better shape? It’s the best Christmas gift you could give yourself.
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