Another week on the CrossFit horse — and another week of the holiday eat-a-thon. Chances are that lots of parties, tons of food, and gallons of liquor will be offered to you between now and New Year’s Day. Most people in America gain something outrageous like 8-10 pounds during the holidays. That’s insane. Don’t do it. But, that’s easy to say when the eggnog and the Christmas cookies aren’t staring you down. So, how to survive the holiday season and not be a cranky bitch on wheels?
Well, here’s your survival guide for these times. Feel free to write down what I’m about to say on a piece of paper and put it in your pocket. Are you ready? Here it is: Don’t be stupid. Yup, that’s it. I could write all sorts of words and wax eloquently on this subject for 500 or 1000 words, or I could just use 3 words: Don’t be stupid.
You know what to do, so do it. Eat smart. Avoid the carbs. Stick to the meat. (Sorry, vegetarians, but that’s the truth.) Avoid “low-fat” garbage and remember that fat is not the enemy, but excessive caloric consumption is. If you drink alcohol, keep in mind that you’re trashing your diet and deal with it. Don’t eat crap. Don’t buy crap. Don’t take crap when it is handed to you. (That’s in life in general, as well as on a platter at a party.)
Have fun but make smart choices. Remember the words that form part of the CrossFit “World Class Fitness in 100 Words”: Eat meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch and no sugar. Keep intake to levels that will support exercise but not body fat.
The holidays are about more than food. You’ll be okay, and smart will feel great in January . . .
(Originally posted in Dec, 2010.)
