Johnstraining’s BodyBlog

Most people tend to skip the morning meal(s) on big holidays, which is more likely to make you overeat later. Even if it is your family’s tradition to eat Thanksgiving dinner at noon, try to get in a bowl of cereal with skim milk or a bowl of oatmeal. Your schedule is packed tight, but be sure to make time to maintain your muscle growth by eating a combination of lean protein and complex carbohydrates. This ensures that you will keep your metabolism pumped!

 

Right after a workout is the best time to indulge your desire to cheat. This is simply because after you’ve been training your hungry muscles will take up all of the protein and carbohydrates and your rate of fat burning is already boosted. In other words, hitting the gym for a quick workout or taking a brisk walk shortly before heading to the office party is an excellent way to give your body a little extra cushion for those calories so you can squeeze in a small dessert.

 

Adding extra protein to your diet is a good way to help curb your appetite. Skinless turkey breast is an excellent source of lean protein and it is an easy one to find at most holiday events. Fueling your body with protein will help you maintain and build lean muscle that will in turn help boost your fat burning powers. Also, loading up on turkey has another plus, it will leave less room for all of the other temptations on the table.

 

During the holiday season portion size can also become a problem for most of us. Set limits on how much you are prepared to eat. Have a little bit of everything that appeals to you rather than depriving yourself entirely. It will make things much easier for you.

 

Choose to give yourself a little room to indulge and you will be more likely to stick to eating a balanced, healthy meal. While it is next to impossible to totally avoid all of the treats that fill the holiday season, try to make good decisions. This means if you’re not able to resist the sweet potato soufflé, topped with marshmallows, than pass on the pumpkin pie!

(Sneak Peek:  Starting December 1st, keep track of your progress in weight, bodyfat, body measurements and more).

Posted in Training