I was SO happy to finally see the scale move in the right direction and continue, even after the New York City Marathon. I felt like the 21 day detox jump started me and I peeled off 6 lbs. I’m 5’2″ so 6 lbs. is a decent start in my book. Then Thanksgiving came. No, I did not overeat…on the actual day…but oh those leftovers. I’m looking at you, lime-in-the-coconut cake…and you, dutch apple pie…even you potatoes, potatoes and more potatoes…running less probably didn’t help either, but lets blame the food, shall we?
When I got on the scale to see I’d gained back 4 of the 6 lbs., something had to change. It became my mission to avoid holiday weight gain, even if it was the running “off-season”. I’m focusing on strengthening and balancing all those tired, overused muscles and the lazy, underused ones too (hello booty).
So how do I plan to stay fit (and maybe continue to lose weight) over the holidays?
1. Stay consistent with workouts by scheduling them in. Just as you would any other important appointment.
2. Get exercise out of the way early. Before life and holiday chaos get in the way. When I hit up the gym last week, it had been so long, I was hesitant to venture into the free weight area. But venture I did. Right on over to the squat rack. I haven’t squatted…I mean REALLY squatted with anything more than dumbells or a kettlebell….well….in forever.
There’s no time like the present to stop saving your legs for your next run and bust out some squats, right? So I did. And I could feel all the imbalances. My left hip and my cranky knee on the same side objected, mildly. Sigh. I made a good effort that day and have been back, hitting those free weights four times since. It’s going to be a long, hard road but I’m up for it.
3. Make non-food related activities part of your holiday traditions. Take part in turkey trots, jingle bell runs/walks, enjoy sledding, skating and holiday house walks. Don’t bother hunting for the closest parking spot at the mall. Park far away for more exercise.
4. Clean up your diet: I think we all know WHAT to do, we just don’t always do it. For me simply cutting out the junk and mindless snacking goes a loooong way. I feel SO much better when I eat mostly whole, unprocessed foods and say no to sweets. Easier said than done sometimes, especially at the holidays, but it gets easier once you build some positive momentum.
5. Plan ahead when attending parties: If you’re attending a party where you know there will be temptation, plan ahead of time just how and on what you’ll splurge. Then move away from the food and enjoy the social aspect of the event.
As luck would have it, at the same time I made it my mission to revamp my workouts and fend off holiday weight gain, GNC sent me products from their PureEdge line.
There are SO many things I like about the PureEdge, whole-food-based product line:
- No gluten-added ingredients
- Non-GMO
- No banned substances
- No artificial flavors, colors or sweeteners
- No preservatives
- No wheat, yeast, fish or egg
- No sugar alcohols
Complete Protein: I tried the natural chocolate flavor, which was quite delicious. Each serving contains 20g protein sweetened with Stevia and Monk fruit. There are >5g of amino acids as well as 5g of fiber. I’ve been using this for my post-workout recovery smoothies, and, since it’s the holiday season, I concocted something special that I am totally excited about. You know I love me a certain holiday drink in a festive red cup. But those drinks are far from healthful. So I set out to create one that was. I swear this one tastes SO great, plus has the satisfying addition of protein for the win.
Peppermint Protein Mocha
6-8oz milk. I typically use coconut or almond milk.
4-6oz brewed coffee. Change the coffee:milk ratio based on your preference or skip coffee if you’re not a fan or are serving to kiddos.
1 scoop GNC PureEdge Protein Powder
1/2t unsweetened dutch process cocoa
1/8t peppermint extract (or to taste)
Handful of bittersweet chocolate chips (totally optional) if you desire a richer chocolate taste.
1. In a saucepan, warm the coffee, milk (and chocolate chips, if using) until hot.
2. In a blender, add coffee mixture and remaining ingredients and blend until frothy (be sure to cover the blender).
3. Pour in a mug, garnish with crushed candy cane (optional) and enjoy!
What winter recipe would you use GNC PureEdge Protein in? How do you stay fit over the holidays?
I’m linking up with Cynthia, Mar and Courtney for the Friday Five. Join us!
This post is sponsored by GNC PureEdge.
Free weights are fun! Maybe your knee and hip would have felt less cranky had you started your first set of squats since forever with something gentler than the biggest plates laying around the gym? Just a thought…
I’ll bet that protein stuff is great…but sadly I cannot do whey 🙁
I haven’t done weights in…a very long time. I do some bodyweight exercises, but not as much as I should. I’d rather be running!
I’m doing the Runner’s World Holiday Run Streak right now, keeps me from becoming a lazy slug! 😉
That drink looks really good! Those are all great ideas for staying on track over the holidays. It can be so easy to skip multiple workouts and eat whatever we want!
This year we have been to more parties than usual, and we still have more to attend, so #5 is key. I have been asking ahead, if I can bring something and make sure my choice is something whole. This time of the year, it’s really important that I keep healthy cookie and dip options in my frig– this way when someone pulls out the spinach artichoke dip or butter cookie, I have a home made alternative like bean humus or almond meal cookie to ward off my inclination to dive into the higher calorie option.
ahhh I am moving and all outta whack already.
I DO NEED ME SOME PEPPERMINT PROTEIN MOCHA with added extra caffeine this season 🙂
I have been focusing on 3 and 4. Laura and NYC helped me, too. I am back on the every day sugar train though. I need to nip that one and focus on #3 and #4. I have been exercising a lot… so that helps… a little 😉
Erica that sugar train is tough! I swear I’ve been driving that thing but no more. I wish exercise were the whole answer but not so much.
Milfy I adore you! When the knee was cranky I was using just an empty bar. Seems it learned fast because it is cranky no more. Some strength training is just what it needed!
Keep up the strength training and you won’t need to focus on those numbers on the scale! Plus you already look amazing…
What a great idea to use protein powder in a coffee drink! YUM. I’m focusing on getiing in my workouts and filling up on veggies during the holidays.
Great tips. I think it’s important to try to maintain a regular routine. I know it can be harder over the holidays, but it sure makes me feel better.
Oh MY that peppermint protein drink looks AMAZING. You look great, and way to keep up the great work.
MMMM. That drink looks lovely! Yes, cleaning up the diet is key! Great list… good for you!
Oh that drink sounds good! All the right things. I’m with you about the getting it in early…otherwise, it doesn’t happen! I also like the non-food related tradition. We have been going on a Christmas day hike for the past few years and I love it.
I have pretty much given up hope until January.
Since I am slowing down cardio wise at this point in my pregnancy I have been loving weights– low weight and high reps– did it quite a few times last week and felt so strong! I’m already getting excited thinking about post baby workouts and sweating!!!
I often have success with not overindulging at someone’s less-than-healthy holiday table if I eat a little before hand 🙂 But, I try to sample all of the host’s offerings so as not to be rude, just tone the quantity down. It’s a tricky time of year to find balance!
My goal this “offseason” is to focus fully on my nutrition and get it dialed in. Come February I’ll add CrossFit, then running again when the weather gets warmer.
I’m so glad we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving over here. That’s one less food-related holiday to gain weight from. Although I do like the idea of gratitude.
The peppermint protein mocha sounds pretty delish!
I know what you mean about gaining a little with less activity. It is a tough balance when you aren’t running anymore…. but it’s doable so good for you for the plan and thanks for sharing.
Great tips. I did the same thing and just gained back 5. I am going to do the same 21 day reset with Laura that you did, just signed up. Hope it gets me on track too.
Great plan of attack! I live the holidays like all year round so it works for me.. I have a 24 hour gym & I miss a couple days with the holidays but I can take it outside or do stuff at home OR just give the bod a much needed rest. I plan, workout EARLY, eat like I normally do & plan for my treats – it is just life for me… 🙂
That drink looked really good! I schedule my workouts and I start early before I start thinking of excuses to not get it done! 🙂
Mmmm peppermint mocha is a weakness of mine! I am so happy that we are staying home this year for the holidays, and no one is coming to us. We will be going to our friends’ for Christmas but other than that we can keep everything the same as normal!
i need to be better, but right now i’m eating whatever i want. it’s kinda bad…but starting jan 1 i have to do an elimination diet per the doc’s orders so I’m “enjoying” all the food right now. 🙂 terrible excuse, but oh well.
I already have my first holiday party on the schedule, and I’m planning on bringing something light.
Food is such a big part of everything we (as in society) do during the holidays. I love finding things that don’t center around food. Good tip!
number 3 is a great tip!! non-food related traditions are so important!