Everywhere we look this time of year, there are ads and messages telling us we have to burn off the extra holiday calories we’re eating. And it’s easy to fall for the idea that we have to exercise more during the holidays, or at the very least keep up the same routine to make up for the extra eating we’re doing. But don’t believe the hype.
Spoiler alert: nothing bad will happen if you skip workouts during the holidays. In fact, the rest and relaxation could be really good for you.
- We don’t need to “burn off” food to be healthy - That constant message that we should exercise to make up for what we eat to stay healthy? It’s just not true. Colleen Schreyer, assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, says the idea that we need to burn off everything we eat is “just not accurate.” She explains that the body is pretty good at regulating itself, so if we eat more than normal one day, like we tend to do during the holidays, you won’t feel as hungry later. If you listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues, just follow those and eat when you’re hungry and recognize when you’re full and don’t need more food.
- You won’t lose your fitness if you don’t workout during the holidays - If you’re worried about losing fitness progress over the holidays, don’t. It won’t disappear that quickly. Missing a day, or even a few weeks, won’t affect your overall health and fitness, Schreyer says. Actually, a few days off could be just what your body needs because rest days allow muscles to heal and rebuild.
- How to manage exercise habits over the holidays - It’s important to remember that exercise is ultimately about health, Schreyer points out. So if you’re not working out, she encourages you to do another healthy activity, like meditating, spending time with friends or stretching. As little as 10 minutes of physical activity can boost your mood, so a short, brisk walk - especially after meals - is ideal, according to health psychologist Alyssa Vela. Being flexible and kind to yourself is also an important part of sticking with healthy habits long-term. Vela notes, “Sometimes rest is the most productive thing we can do.”
Source: Huff Post
Scott's Thoughts:
- I suggest calling my friends at Genesis Health Solutions and get that free consultation right now! 434-316-0001. Tell them Scott Stevens sent you and get 1 extra month free if you don't hit your weight loss goal.
- I can still be on my food plan. I just have a few meals that are sinful. Then everything I eat around that is on plan.
- I am not exercising that much now but will pick it back up in January.
- Hard to workout with so much going on around the holidays!