So you’re guilty of indulging in a little too much gingerbread, eggnog and honey roasted ham this Christmas?
Don’t worry! Overeating is one of the most common ways people put on extra weight at Christmas time. In fact, most families emerge from the holidays in a food coma; it’s a sign that you enjoyed your time off!
The good news is that you can lose your Christmas weight quite quickly. With these ten simple tips, you’ll be on your way to reversing your holiday bulge in no time.
1. Lighten up your coffee order
Instead of ordering a large flat white with two sugars and full cream milk, try switching to a small long black with a dash of almond milk. You’ll slash your calorie intake in half and save a ton of money. Extras like caramel and chocolate syrup should also be avoided.
2. Go easy on the alcohol
Better yet, go dry for the month of January. If it’s too challenging to go entirely sober, try switching your favourite sugar-filled, syrupy drink for something simple like Vodka Lime Soda or a small glass of Wine. Creamy dessert drinks like Mudslides, Brandy Alexander and Grasshoppers are never a good idea.
3. Switch the elevator for the stairs
Simple changes to your daily routine can make a world of difference over time. Try taking the stairs instead of the elevator, ride your bike to work instead of driving, and stand up at your desk instead of sitting. Little adjustments to your lifestyle will make you feel lighter, happier and less stressed.
4. Go for a daily walk
The benefits of walking just 30 minutes a day are incredible. Studies show that regular walking can help improve your body’s response to insulin, which can help reduce belly fat. It can also reduce your risk of chronic disease, improve digestion and lower stress levels. Try walking around your local neighbourhood, the botanic gardens or take the more convenient option and rent a treadmill.
5. Make exercise easier with a home gym
There’s nothing worse than sitting in traffic, dragging yourself to the gym and trying to lift weights in a crowded room. If New Year gym crowds make you want to run for the nearest exit, try working out at home. You can build a home gym for next to nothing these days by renting out fitness equipment and transforming your spare room, garage or balcony into your own private sanctuary. The best part? You can blast music you actually like, and you’re guaranteed access to the equipment you need, whenever you want.
6. Active family activities
Gearing up for another weekend of Netflix and board games? Don’t do it! Take your family out for an adrenaline-packed adventure instead. Try hiking, mountain biking, go-karting, ziplining, jet-skiing, sailing, horse riding or rock climbing. Kids will enjoy indoor trampoline parks, ice skating and zorbing.
7. Bring your own snacks
When you visit the cinemas, try swapping the unhealthy, salt-laden, butter-covered popcorn for your own homemade version. You’ll save yourself about 900 calories! Similarly, when you step out for dinner parties, picnics and BBQs, try bringing your own healthy dish.
8. Deep clean your home
Looking for an easy way to burn calories and be productive at the same time? Cleaning your house is one of the best ways to burn off the extra food you ate at Christmas and tidy up your life. For extra brownie points try dusting the ceiling, cleaning your roof gutters and behind heavy items like your fridge, sofa and washing machine.
9. Step away from the screen
After the holidays it’s easy to fall back into old habits and spend all day in front of your TV, computer or phone. While these activities might be fun, they’re not great choices for losing weight. Try planning a weekend camping trip or shopping extravaganza with your girlfriends – anything that gets you off the sofa and outdoors!
10. Dilute your drinks
Are you a morning OJ drinker or a daily smoothie maker? One simple way to lower your calorie intake is to dilute your drinks with water. Substitute sugary juices in your smoothie for extra water, and weaken your iced tea with loads of ice.
Looking for affordable fitness equipment to hire? Contact us today to get your health back on track.
