Realistic Resolutions

For many people, the Christmas and summer holidays are a steady stream of social engagements and an opportunity to break from routine.

It’s a great time to reboot after a busy year, but this more relaxed period also throws up endless possibilities to stray from the healthy diet and training routine you’ve established during the year. SPORTSMED·SA, South Australia’s leading provider of orthopaedic care and clinical services for musculoskeletal conditions and sporting injuries, says that in the lead up to Christmas, rather than throwing your regular routine out the window and vowing to get back on track in January, by all means relax it, but don’t stray too far from the path.

Doug Nairn, SPORTSMED·SA personal trainer, says many people lose sight of their goals altogether for a couple of months over the silly season and then set a whole lot of New Year resolutions to significantly ramp up their goals.

“Maintaining a healthy lifestyle takes planning and commitment and when you break with routine at the end of the year you can end up undoing a lot of the health and fitness gains you’ve made earlier on,’’ Doug said.

“When we get busy with social events or change our routine, we can forget about prioritising our health and fitness. The easiest way around this is to put your fitness times in your diary – treat it like any other appointment, if it’s in the diary, it’s happening.

“The other big area is silly season indulgence – and you are by no means expected to give up all treats if your goal is to stay healthy. Aim to eat well 80 per cent of the time and the other 20 per cent leaves room to indulge a little.’’

The key is to also to think about when you have a Christmas function and then work around it. For example, if you have an evening event, keep breakfast and lunch light and full of protein.

Doug says slip ups happen to everyone and the best thing is to get straight back on track afterwards and don’t let it deter you for the rest of the week or month.

“We often blame the choices we make during the holiday season on external forces and expectations of others and we forget we’re in charge or our choices,’’ Doug said.

“If a simple “no thanks” won’t cut it when you’re being pressed to have another piece of fruit cake or another glass of bubbly, come up with other strategies – take a healthy dish to a family gathering or offer to be the designated driver.

“And if you do make new year’s resolutions make sure they are realistic, specific and focused – that way you’re more likely to keep them.’’

Contact the SPORTSMED·SA personal trainers or dietitian for more guidance and advice on 8130 1222.