Day: November 25, 2016

CrossFit and the Holidays

There’s no denying that the holidays and festive season has arrived.

Lights are starting to be strung, gifts are being wrapped and holiday treats and DRINKS are everywhere.

It’s no secret that most people gain 2 to 5 kilos over the next month or two. With all the parties, special meals and edible gifts, weight gain is pretty much inevitable…right?

Not so fast.

I’ve come up with a survival strategy to keep holiday kilos from making a permanent home on your hips.

This strategy is very simple. I’m not expecting you to have the time to log all your calories or eat every meal at home. We are going to be realistic…

Golden Tip to Avoid Holiday Kilos: Spend the next 4-5 weeks eating like a caveman, with 2 daily exceptions. AND keep doing your CrossFit!

Here’s why: Holiday kilos are caused by eating too many foods that are high in carbohydrates and simple sugars.

You can avoid all that by sticking with an eating plan created by our pre-historic ancestors, while still keeping things fun by allowing for 2 small daily exceptions.

This is what you would eat…

As many fresh and fiber-filled vegetables as you want.

• Load up on salads.
• Enjoy vegetable side dishes.
• Just no starchy vegetables like potato or corn.

Lots of lean, protein-filled meats and eggs.

• Stick with meat that has been roasted, barbequed, or baked.
• Avoid fried meats and eggs.

Fruits, nuts and seeds in moderation

• Fresh fruit for a delicious dessert.
• A handful of nuts or seeds for a snack.
• Don’t eat sugar-added fruits, nuts or seeds.

Then enjoy 2 small exceptions…

• Bread or grain product: No larger than the size of your hand.
• Starchy vegetables: Half of a cup.
• Baked goods: Should fit into the palm of your hand.
• Lollies: The smaller the better.
• Holiday drinks: Keep in moderation

This plan works because it allows you to indulge in 2 exceptions each day. This encourages you to pick and choose the holiday cheat food that you really love, as opposed to feeling obligated to eat everything in sight.

When you navigate the buffet line at your next holiday party, feel confident knowing that you have a game plan. Stick with salad, vegetables and meats first, then pick out your 2 small exceptions and savor those.

As long as your follow this basic plan and continue to keep your CrossFit training up with high intensity functional movements you will get through the holiday season and start 2017 with a bang!

Enjoy the festive season, it only comes around once a year!