Do you have any post-holiday plans?  Post-holiday get-back on the wagon plans, I mean?

Even if you overindulged this past weekend or are currently halfway into a box of See’s candies here are a few tips to get you back on track.

1.  Clear the decks.  Out of sight really is out of mind so stash the snacks and toss the treats to the back of the cupboard.   Place some fresh oranges or shiny red apples in a bowl on your counter top instead.  When a sugar craving hits, grab some tasty fruit instead.

2.  Up the intensity.  Add some high-intensity intervals to your normal cardio workout.   Every few minutes, increase your speed for 2 minutes.  The extra workload will burn more calories and improve your cardiovascular system.

3.  Don’t forget the iron.   Cardiovascular exercise is important but don’t forget the benefits of strength training.  Lifting weights or doing resistance training builds muscle strength which in turn increases metabolism.   Simply put, by increasing muscle, your body will burn more calories even at rest.

4.  Hydrate.  Water, water, water is a key to a healthy lifestyle.    Thirst is often mistaken as hunger so be sure to drink your fill of the clear stuff.  A key indicator to being properly hydrated is pale urine.  Gross, but true.

5.  Set goals.  If you are finding yourself unmotivated and out of control with your eating set a few goals.  Whether it be to run a race,  create a food journal or drink 8 glasses of water a day – set a goal and reward yourself when you reach it.

I hope these tips help get you back on track.  Let me know how it works.

Now go run!

Keli 🙂