Getting Back to Your Fitness Plans After the Holidays
By Stephen R. Farris
The holiday season can be tough on anyone's diet plans. Up first is Thanksgiving. Sure, no big deal. After all, you've been watching what you eat and counting calories, as well as getting in some exercise. But that's where it begins. The diet sabotage.
Next up, the month of December rolls in. Here we have the pre-Christmas parties -- seemingly every weekend -- and may find ourselves cooking less at home and eating out more with friends and relatives.
So now we notice the waistline has increased a notch or two, or three. No biggie you say. Well hold that thought as New Year's Day makes an appearance. However, this day is a little more healthier for you with the cabbage, black-eyed peas, and whatever meat you want to go with it. January 1st, not so bad, but if you're at all into sports -- especially football -- everyone knows you gotta have snacks for those Saturday and Sunday playoff games.
And for good measure, depending on if your favorite team made it to the 'ship, you can throw the first week of February into the mix as well.
So now what? You've managed to pack on a few unwanted pounds and you've probably procrastinated your exercise routine on top of that. Now it's time to try to get back into shape and start eating right again.
So here's a few ideas to help you get started.
Begin with the Basics
That means getting to know what makes your body tick. How does it respond to losing weight and keeping it off as much as possible? Are you getting adequate rest at night? Are you constantly under a lot of stress? How about your daily routine? Is it like a roller coaster ride? According to Dr. Lee Kaplan, an associate professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, "it's better to determine why your body wants to store too much fat and make changes that reverse that biological process." These are things to look at and address when considering a weight-loss plan.
Goals
Write them down. Keep a daily diary of foods you consume, your morning routine, exercise routine, set some goals and you now have a base to begin with. A couple of other suggestions:
- Do your detective work
- Make changes
- Adopt sustainable diet changes
- Seek help when needed
Last, but not least, consult with your physician or chiropractor before starting any diet or exercise routine to make sure you are healthy enough to do so.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in West Melbourne, Fla.