Michelle Bridges shares five healthy habits to keep you on track during the busiest time of the year
Fitness and lifestyle expert, Michelle Bridges shares her best tips for managing the parties, BBQs, lunches, dinners and everything in between this time of the year.
It’s that time of year where celebrations and parties start to fill up the weekly calendar!
Work parties, reunions, family gatherings and summer celebrations are such joyful occasions – and they are often coupled with fabulous food and more naughty treats than usual.
The thought of being on a ‘diet’ over the busiest time of the year is probably enough to throw in the towel before you’ve even begun. And fair enough! With parties, BBQs, lunches, dinners and everything in between, this time of the year is often full of fun social activities and occasions. So it’s easy to assume that a ‘diet’ might hold you back, or be a buzzkill, but what if I told you that you can stay on track with just a few easy hacks?
Here are my top tips for staying on track during the busiest time of the year …
You can still have loads of fun while sticking to your positive food and exercise choices.
Michelle Bridges five healthy habits for the busiest time of the year
Plan, plan, plan
Plan when you are going to exercise. Same with your meals and your snacks. Identify your red flag situations and develop a plan of action. Decide what you’re going to eat as early as possible so you aren’t put on the spot and fall back on a less healthy option. Make smart calorie swaps on that vege bake you’ve been asked to bring, plan which low-calorie drink you’re going to be drinking, and avoid hidden temptations by tracking your intake!
For sit-down functions with several courses, if you can, have a look at the menu before you arrive or at least before you sit down. Remember, you don’t have to eat everything on your plate. During this time of the year, there is often a lot more food coming!
Get your meal prep on
Through planning comes meal prepping! This is a simple step you can take to ensure you stay on the right path through the busy season. By meal prepping, you’ll be able to save time and be less stressed. You’ll even get some meals in the freezer for months to come. The temptation is minimised and you’re able to enjoy other things such as warmer weather, school holidays with the kids and sorting all the presents!
But how do you keep pre-prepared meals fresh to last the week, you ask? It’s worth investing in a fridge that packs a lot of punch when it comes to storage capacity AND keeping your ingredients fresh.
At 12WBT headquarters, we’ve recently upgraded our fridge to an LG 635L Side by Side Fridge thanks to our new partnership with LG. The team has put it to the test with a bunch of 12WBT recipes and can’t stop raving about it!
Smash your workout in the AM
Getting your workout done as soon as you get up can really help you stay on track through the busiest time of the year. This way, you can get it over and done with and focus on other fun things you might have planned. It may be one of the most hectic periods in the year but whatever you do don’t let exercise fall by the wayside. Schedule a training session on the morning of the function and don’t skip exercise the next day, even if it’s just a long walk.
Plan for healthy festive meals
There’s no need to go nuts with your meals over this time. It’s not called the ‘silly season’ for nothing! But it doesn’t have to be. Think about using some super healthy recipes to share with friends and family instead. Get your fridge full of delicious meals that you’ve prepped for the week. Fill your plate once and listen to your body. Once you’re full, you’re full. You don’t need to sneak in or shovel those ‘special’ foods. In reality most of those foods are actually available all year round. Fight the FOMO!
Think about using some super healthy recipes to share with friends and family.
Have fun
You can still have loads of fun while sticking to your positive food and exercise choices! Eat mindfully and stay as active as possible. You’ll feel so much better for these decisions. A healthy attitude is key!
Bottom line is, by following a few steps, you can easily stay on track throughout the busy season! It’s a wonderful time to be social and to connect with people in your life. With forward planning and a clear strategy before you attend the festivities, you will get through all celebrations feeling your absolute best! Mish Xx
