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Easy Ways to Stay Fit Over the Holidays

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at BC chapter.

 

Studies show that the average American gains about 5 pounds over the holidays. So, here are some easy ways to stay on track and to continue looking lean and mean during the crazy, busy holiday season.

1. Load up on protein and veggies

To avoid overindulging in all of the carby goodness like mashed potatoes, stuffing, and sweet potato casserole, load up on protein to stay fuller longer. Also, loading up on fibrous leafy greens and vegetables will also keep you feeling full, making you less likely to go back for seconds or at the very least to only eat your grandmas marshmallow covered sweet potatoes.

2. Dress to impress

Sure, those leggings might seem like the obvious choice for going to holiday parties. After all, you are going there to eat and to indulge in the treats that come around only this time of year. But instead of putting on your comfiest of “going out” clothes, try breaking out that skintight dress you’ve been dying to wear. You’ll feel more body conscious in clothes that show off your body, making you more accountable for the food that you’ll indulge in. Besides, who doesn’t love looking good?!

3. Don’t deprive yourself

While I know that this seems completely counterintuitive, allowing yourself a taste of all of your favorite seasonal treats will make you less likely to indulge and more likely to feel satisfied. If you go into the party thinking that you are not allowed to have dessert, you will be more likely to pig out when the opportunity arises than you will be if you allow yourself a taste of everything you like.

4. Hit up the gym or go for a run

Just 30 minutes of exercise can improve both memory and your ability to plan, schedule and solve problems, according to recent research published in the journal of Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.  So why not lace up your running shoes and hit the pavement? If you can’t get to the gym and running isn’t your thing, no worries! Downloading a workout app like Sworkit or going on a website like Pinterest – which gives you every kind of workout you could possibly want to do without needing any equipment – to find exercise plans will allow you to work out in the comfort your room.

The holidays can be stressful enough without having to worry about whether or not you’ll fit into your skinny jeans after the holidays. So, why not take the pill before the headache and balance out the fun with the realistic?

 

Sources:

http://www.shape.com/weight-loss/weight-loss-strategies/ward-holiday-weight-gain

http://www.acsm.org/access-public-information/acsm-journals/medicine-science-in-sports-exercise

Photo Sources:

http://www.heatherkjones.com/blog

http://media-cache-ec3.pinterest.com/upload/98445941824682258_S8GbDS1F.jpg

 

Lauren Ruvo is a sophomore at Boston College who is double majoring is Human Development and Communications. Lauren is originally from Las Vegas and doesn't think she will ever get used to the winters in Boston. Lauren writes for The Heights as well as the Boston College branch of Her Campus. In her free time, Lauren loves shopping, traveling, spending time with friends and family, spin class, and cooking. She is very excited about joining the Her Campus team!
Meghan Keefe is a senior associate on the integrated marketing team at Her Campus Media. While she was a student at Boston College, she was on the HC BC team and led as a Campus Correspondent for two semesters. After graduating and working for three years in public relations, she decided it was time to rejoin the Her Campus team. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring Boston and traveling - anything that gets her outside.