Is It Worth Getting Fit before Christmas?

Submitted by on 22 November 2011 – 09:434 Comments

With the countdown to Christmas in full swing I’m wondering is it worth getting fit now or waiting for January? And the million dollar question is, if I do decide to go for it will I be able to avoid the chocolates on the Christmas tree, offers of mulled wine and the inevitable selection of mince pies everywhere I go?

“Wait!” say half of my friends, typically those who eat mince pies for breakfast and still wear skinny jeans. “Do it now” says another who is guilty of raiding her kids advent calendars when they are at school!

The sad thing is I used to be able to avoid all the Christmas novelty food quite willingly. Only two years ago before my second pregnancy I ran up steep hills by choice, and lifted things heavier than my weekly shop every day. These days while I can walk the mile to school and not pass out I think I probably have a higher fat content than a pork scratching.

Bearing this in mind this week I sought the advice of a some professionals. Firstly a personal trainer who supposedly specializes in helping mums. He suggested working out for 90 minutes a day at least three times a week. I know he’s right but show me a mum who can find 9 minutes alone a day never mind the requisite 90. The nutritionist I spoke to suggested the 5 – 8 small meals a day approach and offered Gwyneth Paltrow style ‘delights’ such as homemade corn muffins and super power salads with vegetables I know I’ll never find in Sainsbury’s.

The truth is I know the secret to getting fit. It is simple hard work but I do wish someone would tell me how to find the time to exercise, and prepare healthy snacks in between working and mothering and domestic goddess duties because the truth is my mind needs it as much as my body.

Does anyone have any good tips on how to stay fit and healthy? Please share if you do.

Share via emailShare via email

  • Jules

    I’ve found the grazing diet works for me, although I do have a big evening meal. I’ve also tried to cut down on processed foods, like breads, cakes and crisps etc. But I agree, I would love to make more healthy veggie style meals(loving the new HFW veggie book) but preparing veg can take a lot of time as I hat getting veg all prepared and packaged. I’ve also been struggling to find time and energy to exercise but luckily my local village hall, just a quick 2 min jog down the road has started a Zumba class in the evening which is fantastic fun and I’m surprised how just one session a week seems to be making me feel and look so much better. On the down side my husband has been stocking up on Baileys for Christmas and we’ve started to drink it already!!

    • Anita Naik

      arghhh the Baileys (It’s horribly calorific you know) but love your Zumba tip and the ditching of the processed foods. Thanks
      Anita

  • Lucy

    It really is that easy, honest!!

    I am a fitness instructor and a busy Mum and understand what you mean by not having the time between schools runs, work, house keeping, planning meals and after school clubs ect . . . and yes the list does go on, but it is possible.

    90 minutes activity three times a week is recommended, however you can achieve this in blocks of two 45min, or for example split the time over 4 or even 5 days, it doesn’t have to be done all in one go.

    Do try the brisk walk to school in the morning. Walking is great exercise for you and your kids. If done regularly, even for 10 to 15 minutes, it can improve your health, your circulation and mental concentration. Plus over 5 days walking too and from school could be as much as 1 & 1/2 hours off your recommended activity level.

    Other activities you could do in short blocks could be a brisk walk at lunch time or simply go mad with the vacuum cleaning, add this to a little me time by a swim or by taking part in a fitness class once or twice a week, you will start to see results.

    For snacks just keep it simple, stop buying biscuits because if not in the cupboard they cant be eaten. Keep nuts and seeds, fresh fruit and cut up veg like carrots adding a little humus to dip if you feels extra peckish. You dont have to change much in your main meals as cooking for the whole family is sough enough, just Keep portion sizes down and drink plenty water.

    Do it for only a week or two and see how you get on and maybe take it further in January. The best way to get fit and stay fit is too take baby steps and keep it simple cuz if its easy you will tend to stick to it.

    Good luck x

    .

    • Anita Naik

      Hi Lucy,

      Thanks for your comment. It’s really helpful and really inspiring. We’ve had a lot of comments on our Facebook page and many mums saying it’s hard not to give up. Will def take up your tips.
      Anita