Post Holiday weight gain?

Whether you indulged a little or a lot, eating more and moving less on holiday will result in some weight gain. You made a choice to enjoy the poolside cocktails with friends or tuck into the family meal without a second thought about the calories, or sample the local gelato on the beach. However, I don't particularly think this is a bad thing, why? because any weight gain can be temporary, you've made some great memories and you can easily get back on track with these 5 top tips below.

1. Perhaps consider not weighing yourself at first

Like I said, if you have been eating more and exercising less over a period of time you will gain some weight. If you're the kind of person who freaks out over even one pound of weight gain then perhaps give the scales a miss until you're back into the swing of things after 5-7days. Especially if you've been eating a lot sodium heavy foods and not balancing this out with adequate water intake. This can make you hold more water weight than usual therefore increasing the scales dramatically.

2. Drink plenty of water

Speaking of water retention, one of the best ways to get rid of it is to actually drink more water. Not only that, water has many other benefits too, so if you've been lacking on the H20 in favour for alcoholic drinks, you're body isn't going to be functioning optimally and can feel quite sluggish and bloated. Increasing your water intake can boost your mind and body in a very short space of time, therefore better equipping you to get back on track.

3. Don't slash calories too low

The most tempting thing to do is to slash calories drastically and start the "banning of certain foods list." This can be a very counterproductive move, especially paired with excessive amounts of cardio, as it can lead to drastic dips in energy, increased hungry, cravings and eventually led to a big blow out feast. Instead, go back to your pre holiday eating and exercise habits, as weight will inevitably come down if you're no longer eating in your holiday surplus*. Once you've lost this initial post holiday weight gain, then see where you're at, if you're happy...good, if you still want to loose more then consider slowly decreasing your calories.

4. Do get moving

Although I don't recommend plunging into the deep end with excessive cardio and weight training as soon as you're back from your holiday, I do recommend that you get moving again and put all the recent consumed energy (from food) to good use. Especially when it comes to weight lifting, you'll be surprised just how much more strength and energy you'll have after a period of relaxing the body and consuming more food.

Post holiday blues left you a little unmotivated? Then plan to have a catch up with a friend over a walk or see what new classes are going on at your gym.

5. Be kind to yourself

This can be a hard one, it's easy to be frustrated at ourselves for gaining weight whilst on holiday when all the sand, sea and fun is over. Beating yourself up about it isn't going to be helpful. Instead, accept it, reflect on the memories you created on holiday, appreciate the different foods and drinks you discovered and be patient. Set yourself some new goals to work towards, approach these with a consistent and steady mindset and you'll be where you want to be.

If you would like any more info or to find out how I can help as a Personal Trainer then feel free to contact me: carla.louise.bolstridge@gmai.com

*A surplus is when you consume more calories than you burn throughout the day.

#Nutrition #Training #Fitness #holiday #weightloss