Maintaining a slim body and good shape is inextricably linked with persisting in certain resolutions. Although in some situations it may seem impossible, in practice there is always a chance to fulfil your diet or training plan. How? Here are 4 ideas on how to stay in shape over the holidays without going to extremes.

How to stay in shape over the holidays: get active

For many people, Holidays are synonymous with blissful laziness, which is a very big mistake. The chance to do a full-scale workout in the gym doesn’t always arise, but there is always a minimal option for a bit of exercise. In order not to lose shape, you can decide to do some home exercises with your own body weight – for this purpose, a very good solution is a fast and at the same time very exhausting tabata. On the other hand, it is worth treating the holiday period as a form of regeneration for the body. Therefore, a long walk can be a good option, which is definitely better than lying on the sofa for many hours.

How not to lose shape over the holidays: remember to hydrate

Water is extremely important for keeping fit over the holidays. Often there is a lot of hard to digest food on the festive table, which can lodge in the stomach and slow down the rate of metabolism. Regular intake of fluids will help keep your digestive tract functioning optimally and reduce the feeling of overfilling. What is more, water supports the natural mechanisms of cleansing the system from accumulated toxins. A good way to control hydration are mobile applications that remind you to drink another glass of water.

How to stay in shape over the holidays: use healthy alternatives

If you prepare the festive dishes yourself, you can prepare them according to your diet and daily balance. However, most of the time we are visiting family at Christmas, who will not necessarily be concerned about our fitness needs. However, it’s worth offering healthier solutions when cooking. Greek yoghurt for a sauce instead of fatty cream, dressing for a salad based on olive oil, lean white meat instead of fatty and red meat – these are just a few examples that will help you not to lose your shape.

How to stay in shape over the holidays: use spices

As well as aiding the flavour of food, they can also help to maintain an optimal body weight. How? Capsaicin and piperine contained in cayenne and black pepper have an effect on thermogenesis, which increases heat production and can be helpful for fat loss. In addition, their spicy taste boosts the metabolism. The curcumin contained in turmeric has valuable anti-inflammatory properties, while ginger supports the digestive system and influences the postprandial rise in body temperature. However, it is worth remembering that spices should be used in moderation so as not to cause stomach irritation.