Christmas overindulgence

Hi ElectronBlue,

I always find the holiday season as a great time to catch up on some quite intense training, and coincide the days of this with any parties or family do's etc. ie. Boxing day is always a big family eat with us in the afternoon, so I ensure either a long morning bike ride with intervals, or a run and some weights to really get my glycogen stores emptied ready to absorb all those additional calories.

Another strategy that works well is to use the day after effect to ensure one eats less calories and then undertakes a high volume low intensity session taking advantage of increased leptin levels within the body.

Finally never go to any function where there is a buffet laid on without eating about half an hour before you leave your house to get there. If you have a high protein snack such as a chicken breast with some salad, you will be less tempted to over do the buffet cart, which personally is one of my Christmas vices, hence this is a strategy that works well for me.

Above all though enjoy this time of year sparing a thought for those less fortunate than us, both in the UK and abroad, who will not have the luxury of any food, let alone overindulgence at this time of the year.

Have a great Christmas everyone and remember that training will always be about "smarter rather than harder" and that adaptation occurs during rest and not training. If 2012 is to be your year for change then please remember to have something to focus on as a reason for training. I have set myself the goal of completing the 200km Welsh Cyclosportive event here in Wales in July 2012 as a reason to get back to the very high levels of fitness I enjoyed 20 years ago.

Kind regards

Simon

Simon Vincent
Performance and Nutrition Consultant
Body Bullet Dynamics
South Wales
www.totalcyclingperformance.co.uk

There's a copy of Sports Psychology: The Will to Win for the best answer to this topic.

Of course we can all indulge in too much food or drinks and also in training over the holidays with all that spare time. SO take care not to injure yourself filling those days with extra training, remember the 10% guide and have a great holiday season.
Dai Roberts, Senior Coach, Dai Roberts Group Inc. Virginia Beach, VA.

Simple enjoy yourself though just be
mindful and do everything in moderation.

Balance out all the nicety foodstuffs with
good organically grown vegetables and chicken or fish.

Drink plenty green tea with a dash of tumeric
organic lemon juice and echinacea.

Go out for walks, runs and do a cardio class
if the gym is open and a yoga class too.

Most of all have fun over the festive period
as your stress levels from working need
to be reduced ..

my motto Good organic Food , water , sunshine , exercise & rest all aid to healthy and fit looking people for all walks of life -)

I think spare time and 'available nibbles' are a bit of a downfall aren't they? Buffets too. Liking these suggestions though.

There's good evidence to suggest that part of the reason why January is often classified as 'flu season' is related to the toxins that we consume over the festive period. Counterbalance your enjoyment by detoxifying with some natural antioxidants like vegetables, green tea and grapefruit (unless you have a heart condition). Grapes are also very good - unfortunately wine doesn't count though! Have a great Christmas and stay well!

What a shame the wine doesn't count. I suspect people would find it much easier to get their 5-a-day if it did LOL!

Welcome to PP, Soulfusion :)