The holidays can be a stressful time for us all, and when you add your health and fitness goals on top of everything else… well, it can be overwhelming. We are going to help you strike a balance between enjoying the holidays and keeping your sanity while not falling off the wagon… we’ll help you navigate the holiday buffet line, make sure you get some workouts in, and hit you with a couple of our holiday favorites. Winning the holidays requires a little planning, but you can totally pull this off. 

WHEN IT COMES TO FOOD, PLAN AHEAD

1. Don’t skip meals. PLEASE. Don’t do this… you skip thinking you’re going to “save calories” for the next meal, then you can end up overeating because you starved yourself all day. Have a snack.

• Remember, food is fuel, it isn’t “earned” and you don’t have to “work off” enjoying yourself. As long as it doesn’t be come a habit
• Eat healthier, nutrition dense meals or snacks leading up to the celebratory meal

2. Bring a healthy dish. I know… I know… you get eyebrows when you bring a veggie tray to thanksgiving but everybody always ends up eating it.

• Remember, any dish can be hacked to be healthier. If you need help, email us hello at meathead test kitchen dot com

3. Build your plate before you get to the buffet line. Decide what you reaaaaaaaally want, and what you can have any other day of the year.

• If you’re super nervous about it because you want to stay on course as much as possible, build around protein first, healthier carb options second and then your fats.

4. Try to stay away from liquid calories. Those lattes and eggnogs are loaded with sugar that will dehydrate you, bloat you, and just make you feel generally crappy.

• If those are your favorite things, just try to space them out, or build them into your day before you go 

5. HYDRATE. You should always be hydrating, but it’s winter time… the air is dry, your skin is dry, your hair is dry… you get the idea, hydration is your friend. 

• If you’re having trouble remembering to drink your H20, bring a portable water bottle with you and have it on you at all times. It’s easier to remember if it’s always in your hand or near you

6. If you did overindulge, don’t beat yourself up about it… it’s one meal. It’s not going to wreck all the work you’ve put in so far. Have the pie.

• One thing to remind yourself of, it’s ok to enjoy yourself.  One day or two out of 365 is just a blip. Get back on track tomorrow.

GET THAT WORKOUT IN HOWEVER YOU CAN

1. Holiday schedules are hella packed, so you want to make sure you are getting the most bang for your buck when working out at home… stick to things you can do in an hour or less. The shorter the commitment, the easier it is to stick to.

• I try to do it right away in the morning so that it’s already done and I don’t have to stress about how I’m going to fit it in. That commitment is to myself and I always keep it.

2. Get a workout buddy. Accountability partners are dope. Even if it’s just for the holidays, find someone that will help you stick to your plan, plus it’s more fun to train with a friend.

• If you can’t find a workout buddy, set up reminders in your phone calendar

3. Sign up for a holiday race. Do that turkey trot or Santa 5K. Give yourself a reason to hold yourself accountable, and again, group fitness is fun. Make it a holiday tradition

• Virtual races and holiday races also offer walking options if running isn’t your jam. There are also a ton of one month challenges that you could do.

4. Take the stairs. Get those steps in any way you can, and if that means a trip to the mall, hit that staircase. 

• Ask a family member to go on a walk with you after a meal, weather permitting. If it’s snowing, have  a snowball fight! You’re having fun and moving your body.

MTK DOES THE HOLIDAYS

Sadie: Green bean casserole is one of my favorite holiday dishes, but it’s loaded with dairy, and cream of mushroom soup, and fried onions… and… you can totally have it on your holiday table this year without having any guilt. Find the recipe here.

Sausha: Bacon Cheesy Brussels Sprouts is one of my favorites. It’s on our menu for this year. Find the recipe here.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us. You can do this. And if you have the pie… it’s okay, it IS the holidays. You’re allowed to treat yo self