It’s that wonderful time of year where the socials increase tenfold, the drinks start flowing, and mince pies are eyeing you from across every room… So how do you stay on track, avoid undoing all your progress and still have a great Christmas season?
The key: balance! We cannot stress enough the importance of balance, both for your physical and mental health. This means not throwing caution to the wind and seeing how much damage you can do in one month, but instead working on building healthy, sustainable and long-term habits that will last you well into the new year.
Here are some Better Body Group approved tips to help you on your way to a balanced and enjoyable holiday season.
Stay in a calorie deficit
First and foremost, you physically cannot lose body fat without burning more calories than you’re consuming on a daily basis. This is likely the hardest to come to terms with and to put in practice, but the easiest way to tackle it is to lower your food intake and move more. Try and include nutrient dense food in your diet, eat off of a smaller plate as a manner of portion control, and be aware of liquid calories in the form of lattes, smoothies, and alcohol.
Increase your NEAT
NEAT, otherwise known as Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis, is the activity you complete each day, separate from your exercise. This is your key to burning more calories, thus allowing you to stay in a calorie deficit.
Examples and recommendations include:
• Parking further away from your destination and walking the rest
• Taking the stairs instead of the lift
• Stretching while watching TV
• Cleaning and cooking
• Playing with the kids
• Gardening
Try something new
Christmas is the season for family and friends! So go for a cycle, take the kids to a climbing centre, or try a new fitness class together with a friend. You’re more likely to stick to something you enjoy, and remember, the more you move, the bigger your calorie deficit!
Lift your weights
In the hierarchy of fat loss, resistance training takes the cake! Try to prioritise strength training as part of your weekly routine, with a focus on compound lifts like squats, deadlifts, lunges, pull ups and the like. This will boost your overall calorie burn, help build muscle and improve your resting metabolic rate. Here at Better Body Group, we can help with exactly that so don’t hesitate to get in touch to train with one of our friendly and expert team members!
Ultimately, our lovely team know exactly how to help you stay on track while still enjoying the holidays, adding accountability without the pressure or stress.
Contact us on 01732 451979, or email info@betterbodygroup.co.uk for more information.
From all of us here at Better Body Group, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Danae Van Den Berg, is a Better Body Group Exercise Specialst. Danae graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in English and Sports Science and spent her time there training as part of the university’s Powerlifting team. For more information or to book an appointment please call them on 01732 451979 or email enquiries@betterbodygroup.co.uk.
