Here are some small changes that can help reduce the potential 5-10 pounds of excess weight gained between Halloween and the New Year.
Work It Out
Would you consider the Advent Running Challenge? Since December 2014 Advent Running have been making tracks all over the globe with a community of 4,000 strong runners. Commit to getting active for 30 minutes every day of advent. Starting December 1st, you can run, walk, rollerblade your way to a healthy holiday. I find having a challenge gets my commitment (i.e., 100 Happy Days) and I’ll purposely plan my day around my mileage! Post your running selfies, find words of motivation and inspiration by using #AdventRunning2017.
Running to eat isn’t your thing? SHAPE declares, ‘Tis the season to get sweaty with the Holiday Hustle challenge. SHAPE has teamed up with Aaptiv to host a 30-day fitness challenge to offer workouts to be completed no matter where the holidays may take you! Aaptiv, an awesome audio fitness app, is offering a 30-day free trial for the challenge starting on Monday, December 4th. There will be exclusive workouts (like cardio, strength, yoga, and more) and training from top fitness gurus—plus curated playlists you’ll love to sweat to. Signing up for the challenge will also include an invitation to a private Facebook group to share your wins (big and small) and get support from other #ShapeSquad goal getters like you
Charity Miles
However, you plan to bust a move, do it with purpose. #CharityMiles is an app that tracks indoor and outdoor activities to donate miles to charities such as Save The Children, Stand Up to Cancer, ASPCA, Feeding America, and so many more.
Foodie Swaps
Headed to a holiday potluck? The dessert table is always full but you could certainly bring a colorful salad or veggie platter. You can make Ronnie Dean’s famous ranch dip. I’m sure he’d be thrilled to know that I’m sharing this. 🤷♀️
2 cups plain greek yogurt
1 cup Hellman’s mayonnaise
1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- Mix all the ingredients together, and serve! To make the dip into a dressing, add milk to the prepared dip one tablespoon at a time, whisking until you reach the desired consistency. Store unused dip in an airtight container in the fridge.
Treat yourself in moderation. It is finally eggnog season! Have one and move to a lighter beverage for the rest of the evening. You’ll be thanking yourself later! Try and eat a light snack before attending an event so you don’t overindulge.
If you still need some convincing, take a moment to watch this recording from Onnit’s Podcast with Paul Chek. The best takeaway is almost at the very end (59 mins in to be exact), “Sooner or later, your health will be your number one concern.”
