SPONSORED BY PLANET FITNESS 50 BOSTON ST., LYNN
The holidays are getting closer and closer, with Thanksgiving leading the charge.
Here are five tips to keep you on target throughout the season, so come Jan. 1 “Get fit” doesn’t have to be your eternal resolution. If you haven’t started a workout routine yet, now is a great time to start, with more than enough days on the calendar to let a healthy new habit take root. Check out Planet Fitness’ end-of-the-year membership deals here, no commitment.
5. Avoid alcohol whenever possible. Lots of holiday cheer comes with extra calories, and also lowers your threshold for snacking. Alcohol is high in empty calories.
4. Cool it on the comfort foods. Cold weather often changes our cravings, so that instead of fresh salad, we gravitate toward mac-n-cheese, potatoes and gravy. Keep your healthful diet on track by bumping up your protein intake and choosing warm soup over that shepherd’s pie.
3. Skip the sugar. Cookies and sweets are synonymous with the holidays, starting with that Thanksgiving pie and ending with frosted cookies. Say no to high sugar foods that put your sweet tooth on overdrive.
2. Pack your gym bag. You’re less likely to skip a workout if you’re prepared the night before with fresh clothes, the right shoes, towel, headphones — whatever else you need to make your trip to the gym a success. Be prepared and hold yourself accountable.
1. Bring a friend. It’s always more fun and you double your chances of success if you tag team with a workout buddy. The holidays are a time to be social, so if you’re social at the gym, you get the best of both worlds: time with the people who matter to you AND a fit and healthy body for the new year!