YOU DON'T!
Christmas and New Year's and (any other holiday for that matter) are times to celebrate and to enjoy ourselves. In most societies, food is a big part of their celebrations, and we should embrace it! Imagine a Christmas get together, a wedding, or a birthday party without food…how booooor-ing! Ain’t nobody got time for dat!
Throughout the years I have seen many articles and posts (and even advertising put out by the companies that I was working for) preaching about how to cut calories, and how many calories in a Christmas dinner, and do the math on the chocolate you eat on New Year's Eve and blah blah blah. Unfortunately, this messaging is just playing right into the all or nothing mentality that the health, fitness and diet industries are known for preaching.
Having an ongoing game plan and committing to some generalized activity, nutrition and lifestyle goals is the key to long-term success. Consistency always Trump's intensity! For most people who are trying to live an active and healthy lifestyle, if you are focused throughout the year and sticking to a moderate routine that works within your time constraints, and exercise and food preferences, these days should not, and do not matter.
Here's some math. Let's say at Christmas you have 7 days, a couple of weeks holidays per year is another 14 days, and let's add another 7 for close friend’s and family's birthdays. And just for good measure, we throw in another 7 days for random occasions throughout the year…for a total of 35 days. So, percentage wise, that is 35 days out of 365 per year, or 9.6%. Meaning, if you were to totally shit the bed on these days, you would still be in control and doing well over 90% of the time!
Don't you feel that if you were “off your game” by only 10%, you would still be successful and in your goals? And don't you feel that if you gave yourself this flexibility and breathing room, it would be easier to stick with your plan the rest of the time? I'm sure you would all agree that the answer is YES!
So please, enjoy yourself and celebrate with your friends and family this holiday season. For what we have all been through over the past couple of years, we definitely deserve it! When the new year comes, rope it in, get back into a regular routine, and set some reasonable goals and targets for 2022!
From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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