Just because the holiday season is here, it doesn’t mean you have to throw away your hard work in the gym and with your diet.
Fitness expert Maryam Leeuw from Planet Fitness shares these easy tips to keep you fit and healthy enough to reboot your routine in 2016!
- Plan active holiday trips or family outings and take part in the activities! Walks, hikes, ocean swims, bike rides – this not only gives your body a good workout but it’s a great way to bond with family and friends!
- Eat wisely before you go on day trips. Drink a fruit or veggie shake before heading out for lunch. It’ll help you make healthier choices when you’re choosing off the menu.
- Plan at least one ‘gym’ day a week and concentrate on cardio.
- If you don’t have access to a gym while on holiday, put together a short cross training plan that can be done outdoors. To make it fun and competitive, turn it into a family challenge.
Try Maryham’s cross-training plan:
Start with a short jog to warm up (3 min), 10 mountain climbers per leg , 10 squat jumps, 10 burpees, 10 push-ups, 10 bear crawls, 20 crunches, 45 second plank on elbows. Do this routine two to three times a week.
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- Keep to your healthy lifestyle approach as much as possible. When grocery shopping, make a list and stick to it.
- Install an app on your phone that scans the barcode of food items, and rates it either as good or bad, and gives alternative healthier choices. Maryam recommends Healthy Food Switch by Discovery (free for iOS/Apple and Android).
- No one really wants to cook on holiday so buying fast food becomes an easy way out. But most fast foods contain empty kilojoules and no real nutritional value, which will make you feel sluggish and bloated. Salads are quick and easy to make, plus they’re super healthy. Choose lean proteins such as tuna, chicken or lean beef and mix it up with a variety of greens and brightly – coloured fruits and vegetables.
- Drink lots of water throughout the day. This will ensure you stay hydrated and don’t confuse hunger with thirst.
- Enjoy your Christmas meal with a clear conscience; but do try to keep it both healthy and delicious.
- Set an appointed date to return to gym in January with like-minded fitness friends and stick to it.
ALSO SEE: reasons to get walking this summer
DISCLAIMER: Before starting any diet, you should speak to your doctor. You must not rely on the information on this website/newsletter as an alternative to medical advice from your doctor or other professional healthcare provider.
