Finding Balance During the Festive Season: A High Performer's Guide

#56 Lift, Move, Breathe Podcast - Festive Season Fitness: How to Stay on Track

The holiday season is here—a time for celebrations, gatherings, and indulgence. For many, it’s also a time when routines get disrupted, health goals take a backseat, and the infamous “I’ll start fresh in January” mindset creeps in. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

As a high performer, I know the challenge of balancing festive enjoyment with staying on track. The good news? It’s entirely possible to celebrate without pressing the “big red F-it button” and derailing all your hard work. Here’s how:

1. Plan, Don’t Wing It

Success starts with a plan. The holidays are full of events—Thanksgiving, work parties, family gatherings. Choose the days you’ll indulge and plan your approach around them. For example:

• Before a big event: Stick to your nutrition goals, exercise, and create a calorie “buffer” by eating lighter or incorporating more cardio.
• After the event: Return to your routine quickly—focus on low-carb meals, stay active, and keep alcohol to a minimum.

2. Mind Your Indulgences

You don’t have to skip the fun, but moderation is key.

• Alcohol: Opt for lighter choices like spirits with soda water or non-alcoholic options to avoid unnecessary calories. Limit yourself to 2–3 drinks if you’re being mindful.
• Meals: Pick two courses (e.g., main and dessert) instead of going all-in on starters, mains, and desserts. Focus on savoring the experience, not overloading your plate.

3. Stay Active and Accountable

Use the season’s extra calories wisely. Strength training is a great way to channel the energy from festive meals into building muscle and improving performance. Pair this with daily movement, like increasing your steps, and you’ll stay on track physically and mentally.

4. Set Expectations and Goals

Ask yourself: What do I want to achieve in the next six weeks? Whether it’s maintaining your weight, building strength, or continuing a weight loss journey, clarity will guide your actions. Remember, simply maintaining your progress through the holidays can be a huge win.

5. The Right Mindset Matters

The festive season isn’t an excuse to throw away months of effort. Instead, think of it as an opportunity to practice discipline and balance. Celebrate, but don’t let one indulgent day spiral into weeks of overindulgence.

Final Thoughts:

This season, aim for balance, not perfection. A little indulgence won’t undo your hard work as long as you plan and stay mindful. Celebrate with loved ones, stay aligned with your goals, and step into January feeling strong and accomplished.

Wishing you all a joyful and balanced holiday season!

(If you’re curious about how to maintain high performance throughout the year, feel free to connect or book a consultation with my team below. Let’s keep you thriving!)

Tune into this week's episode of Lift, Move, Breathe for more.

Peace.

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