Whether you’re someone who makes multiple lists when packing (me, a Virgo rising), or a…
Holiday Survival Guide, Nutrition Edition
You might end up feeling fatigued, bloated and irritable because of all of this! Your immune system is not as effective in these conditions, either. This does not lead to your best pole training!
Here are my biggest tips for enjoying the holidays while staying healthy and strong.
1: Eat plenty of whole fruits and veggies for good antioxidants and fiber that will keep you feeling full.
They are a great quick source of energy that the body can easily metabolize.
2: Don’t skimp on the protein!
Having lean proteins at meals will help you maintain muscle mass, even if your workouts decrease over the holidays.
3: Choose less-processed foods.
These will be easier for your body to metabolize, will give you more sustainable energy, and fewer additives that your body doesn’t need (and has a harder time breaking down). Hormones will be more regulated, which will lead to a generally positive mood, and you will be able to manage stress better because of this. If you can’t pronounce items on the ingredient list, it will be more for your body to break down!
4: Maintain a snack schedule to mitigate over-indulgence at holiday gatherings, or at the end of a busy day.
A part of meal prep should be snack prepping (more on that later) to set yourself up for success.
5: Enjoy the things you want by savoring small portions of them.
You don’t have to go without, just be mindful of how much of your “guilty pleasures” you’re having.
6: Stay hydrated!
Having water throughout the day and between alcoholic drinks will help all your body systems and muscles function. Also, if you’re prone to dry skin in the winter, staying hydrated helps prevent that. This includes water-dense fresh fruits and vegetables that are rich in calcium, potassium, magnesium, and sodium (the electrolytes).
7: Give yourself grace.
The holidays are a time to enjoy, rest, and spend time with loved ones. Your body is resilient and will forgive you if you do and eat the things you enjoy. Strategic rest will lead to muscles that are stronger than before! Give yourself this time.
Jamie Thompson-Griffin is a life-long dancer, and fell in love with pole in 2019. She has since become an instructor and a certified Sports Nutrition Coach through NASM. She now owns her own pole dance studio in Dallas, called Self Alchemy Studio, and provides sports nutrition coaching. Reach out for her services, as they can be done in-person or virtually!
Latest posts by Jamie Thompson-Griffin (see all)
- Holiday Survival Guide, Nutrition Edition - December 20, 2024
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