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4. Allow your family to move around
Perhaps your family like to skate together, play soccer, jog or play some sort of sport. Perhaps you like to get things done around the house. Ask your family members and kids to move around. Ask them to help you with house chores, take part in cooking, cleaning or do things that involve moving around. If the weather permits, walk to the grocery store instead of driving or ask your family memebers to do that. Chances are they will be happy to do something and you will get something off your plate by having them do it.
2. Rules for Junk foods remain in full force
Consistency will yield results and if you deviate from your plans then you will have failed yourself. While some people allow some room and relax the rules sometimes, it is always a great idea to remain committed and not do something that would negatively affect your plans. Staying away from junk foods should be a commitment on your part and you must enforce that on yourself and your family if you plan to stay healthy and in good shape. There is no junk food with less salt, less sugar, a few cabbage leafs or less fat that would be good for you. They are all created for one purpose and that is to make you eat something quickly that costs the vendor less and makes them more money. That should tell you that your health is not their number one priority, but yours!
2. Find climate compliant activities
As mentioned earlier, there are tons of holiday activities at this time of the year that would help you and your family burn the extra calories accumulated during the holidays. The weather, however, may play a role in what you can and cannot do. For example, you may want to go to the local mall for buying some stuff there (we caution about going crazy with the credit cards), supporting the local economy and your own health. You may also want to visit relatives, walk to people’s houses if they live nearby, walk to your local grocery store, visit a neighbour, use the shovel and clean the drive way if it has snowed or take your kids to the backyard and make a snowman for them. There is always something that can be done to get the muscles moving. Find what works for you and be creative.
1. Exercise as usual
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You may want to make sure that you stick to your exercise routine, if you have one. If you are not regularly exercising, it is a good time to look for a nearby gym, a personal trainer, buy a workout DVD program or ask your friends and relatives to help you set a program together. Perhaps it is the right time of the year to get your resolutions in place as opposed to January when you will be back at work. If you are going to be busy or traveling during the holidays, you may want to reduce your exercise schedule to a degree that will not adversely affect your goals and keeps you challenged enough until you get back to your full program in January. Whatever you do, it is important to remember that exercise and healthy eating go hand in hand for ensuring a healthy lifestyle.
