The Importance of a Healthy Mindset 
When we think about health and fitness we often only consider physical exercise and nutrition. A third component that also contributes to successful healthy self is our mindset. Having a positive mindset will greatly help you achieve your goals and be a useful tool to combat obstacles.
For example, the next time you find yourself about to ditch a workout or eat something that does not fall into a healthy diet, use this mind activity on yourself:
"The old me would cancel my workout....The NEW me ( fill in blank...ie will workout for 20min even though I cannot do my full 40 min workout OR does some indoor activity because it is raining out side)".
Do not let yourself fall prey to easy excuses, they will only sabotage your end goal!
Christine Baldwin
Fit Squad
Tips for Surviving Holiday Indulgence
The holiday season is a wonderful time of year for celebrating and spending time with the ones you love. It is also a time when we struggle to stick with the healthy lifestyle we work so hard to maintain all year and lean towards the motto 'you only live once'. Trust us, even your trainer and nutritionist find it hard to not go over board during this time of year!
Here are some tips that will help to keep you looking and feeling great at your many social occasions, and the New Year with your good habits still in place.
You can still enjoy all the fun cocktail and Christmas parties without sacrificing your energy levels and waistline simply by pacing yourself. Moderate your intake of whipped cream cakes, shortbread and sugary rum punch. Whenever possible, stick to filling your plate with healthy grains and vegetables, lean proteins and good fats.
Eat before you go to a party. Skipping meals before you go to a party will only lead to over-doing it at the buffet table. Eat regular healthy meals and snacks during the day so that when you arrive at the party you aren't devouring every high calorie, high fat item in sight.
Try to limit your intake of high caloric juices and drinks, caffeine and, yes, alcohol. Eggnog and other rich drinks can be high in sugar and fat, but we know they are also a lovely festive treat. Alternate your alcoholic or holiday drinks with a glass of water. You'll still have a great time at the party but feel a whole lot better the next day. If you do indulge, cut the calories by having half size servings or mix alcohol with low cal soda. Tip: turn your favourite white wine into a light spritzer - half wine, half soda water with a slice of lemon.
Keep hydrated! Take water with you wherever you go and drink at least eight glasses a day. Staying hydrated will help you stay alert and focused when out shopping for that someone special.
Healthy snacks can be the key to getting through a hectic holiday schedule. Carry quick energy-boosting snacks, like almonds, fruit and seeds to keep you from overindulging in fast food or not eating at all during long shopping excursions and holiday visits.
Stick with your exercise routine and work physical activity into your holiday schedule. Meet a friend for a brisk walk, shake it on the dance floor or head outside after a heavy meal to burn all those extra holiday calories, relieve stress and lift your mood.
If you are hosting the party, include healthy options so that you and your other health conscious guests can enjoy as well - they'll love you for it.
If you find yourself eating more often than usual, downsize your portions and slowdown when you eat. Try to think about whether or not you're actually hungry before you pop that tenth cheese cube in your mouth.
Circulate - don't hang out at the buffet table. Move through the room and enjoy the company. Mindless nibbling is all too easy when those tasty treats are only a hand's reach away.
Prepare healthy versions of your favourite holiday meals. A few quick tips for the big meal: try cooking the stuffing outside of the turkey so that it doesn't soak up extra fat, pass gravy through a skimmer and serve baked sweet potatoes instead of roasted or fried. Fruit platters are a wonderful, and often welcomed, addition to any dessert table.
If you overdo it, don't use the old "well I've blown it, so I might as well enjoy" excuse to throw all of your good intentions out the window. Get back on track the next day with healthy meals and extra activity.
The most important tip of all - Enjoy everything in moderation and take time to celebrate this wonderful time of year!
Following the tips above will help you survive the holiday season and avoid the post season feelings of sluggishness and guilt we usually suffer from after New Years. If you need a little help staying on track with a healthy diet this season, or getting back on it, give us a call at 1 877 770 3663 or visit our website at www.liciousliving.com
And for those who prefer the pay later approach, book your Fit Squad trainer for an extra January session now to help repair the damage :)
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