‘Tis the season for holiday gatherings, cheer… and potentially derailing your weight loss plan. With all the festivities and tempting treats during the holidays, it’s common to pause your exercise routine and healthy eating habits. A minor setback might even lead you to abandon your efforts until the new year begins. However, the more you deviate from your healthy habits, the tougher it becomes to regain momentum. Hence, it’s crucial to remain committed.

Here are seven useful tips to help you maintain fitness and health during the holiday season:

1. Plan ahead

Understanding the challenges you’ll face during the holiday season is a significant step towards success. Anticipate family feasts, indulgent eggnog, gift wrapping sessions, and social gatherings—it’s a recurring scenario every year. As Thanksgiving approaches, begin contemplating your strategy for navigating the holiday season with regards to your dietary choices and exercise regimen.

2. Never go to a holiday party hungry

Avoid attending holiday parties on an empty stomach—it’s a recipe for disaster if you’re trying to stick to a healthy eating plan. Just before heading out to a holiday gathering, enjoy a nutritious and satisfying snack. Opt for options like yoghourt with blueberries, apples paired with peanut butter, or raw vegetables accompanied by hummus. Choose snacks that contain some protein to help you feel full and reduce the temptation to snack excessively.

3. Find creative ways to fit in your full body workout routine

During the holidays, time can be scarce, and getting to the gym may not always be feasible. Consider fitting in a workout at home before the rest of your family wakes up in the morning. Curves provides an excellent online workout program called MyCurves On Demand. With MyCurves On Demand, you can complete a 30-minute workout, including aerobic exercises and strength training, all from the convenience of your own home.

4. Stay active, even when you’re at home

When you’re unable to make it to the gym for your usual full-body workout, consider trying an express alternative that’s more manageable to fit into your schedule. Our Curves at-home program, MyCurves On Demand, offers 15 express workouts for those days when you can’t allocate a full 30 minutes at your local Curves club. By keeping your body active, you increase the likelihood of staying on track with your fitness goals.

5. Be mindful of your healthy eating plan

You can maintain your eating plan while still indulging in some holiday festivities—it’s all about moderation. If you decide to have an alcoholic beverage, limit yourself to just one. Opt for lower-calorie options like red wine or champagne. Steer clear of heavily processed foods like cured meats, as well as high-sugar treats such as holiday cookies and pies. Stay committed to the portion control practices you’ve been following as part of your healthy eating plan.

6. Drink H2O

Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, cooking, and socialising, it’s common to overlook the importance of staying hydrated during the holidays. However, with all the multitasking, it’s crucial to prioritise hydration. Adequate water intake helps curb your appetite, enhance metabolism, and facilitate more efficient digestion of food and drinks. Make it a habit to carry a water bottle with you wherever you go and sip regularly throughout the day. Aim to consume at least eight cups of water daily to maintain optimal hydration levels.

7. Get enough sleep

It can be tempting to sacrifice sleep to finish online shopping, wrap gifts, or socialise during the holidays. However, prioritising sufficient sleep is more crucial than ever during this season. Getting adequate rest will provide you with the energy needed to remain active and committed to your healthy eating plan. The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults aim for between seven and nine hours of sleep each night.

At Curves, we stand by our members every step of the way, even when they can’t make it to the gym during the holidays. To support you in sticking with your Curves workout for women and maintaining a healthy eating plan, Curves offers a Nutrition and Weight Management program alongside online workout programs, allowing you to easily incorporate a workout routine at home. By prioritising fitness and health throughout the holiday season, you’ll set yourself up for a healthier and happier you in the new year!

For more information on making informed lifestyle and health choices, visit our blog under the ‘Live’ category! You can also discover how the Curves Circuit can benefit your lifestyle here.