Health and fitness during the Festive Season

So it’s that time of year again, where it feels as if not a week goes by without another Jewish Festival of sorts. And if it feels that way, it’s because that’s precisely what we are dealing with….Rosh Hashana, Yom Kippur, Sukkot Part 1, Part 2… And it’s great – you get to spend time with your family, have a much-deserved break from work and for those who are so inclined, do some connecting. But let’s be honest, all those festivals come with meals that are not only a pain to cook for (we’re still negotiating for a bigger freezer) but also challenging to navigate if you are trying to be healthy. And trust us, it’s just as challenging for us as it is for you – even we don’t want to be the guests who drink water and eat green beans as they pat their stomachs and say they’re watching their weight. So here is our guide of how to best cope with this experience.

1. Portion control
   Now, at the Shabbat and Yom Tov tables people generally put out buckets of food and you basically just dig in. Sadly, this presents rather a challenge when it comes to practicing any form of self-control because it is all too easy to take one…two…. no five spoonfuls and soon you’re working out how to discretely unbutton your skirt without anyone noticing. Trust us we’ve been there. We advise going into any meal prepared for the fact that you will have to practice inordinate self-control. It is by no means easy, but we find sitting on our hands or having a child on our lap can sometimes help. And even if it’s wholemeal and baked from the very hands of your host whilst praying for the souls of unicorn babies, go easy on the challah.

2. Food choices
   That being said, a girl has got to eat so try and go for the sensible options – lean protein (chicken), vegetables (the green things that aren’t cooked in oil and sugar), and any sort of grains. Again, this is so much easier said than done, so we will refer you to point one – handcuffs anyone?

3. Stay active
   This one, hopefully, should be slightly easier. We’ve all been there, the post-Yom Tov lethargy, where all that food, wine and sitting makes you feel a tad heavy and ever so slightly queasy. So get those walking shoes on and go for an afternoon walk or run. Not only is this good for your health, but it may well help you let off some steam if the in-laws/parents/kids/insert any family member here proves to be a little much.

4. Balance
   For every Yom Tov, there are essentially two meals, but there is no rule that dictates each meal has to have six side dishes, three portions of meat and two types of desserts. If you go out or host one meal, why not do a simpler alternative meal with some roast chicken and salad? Better for you, your purse and the aforementioned lethargy.

5. OUR MOST IMPORTANT POINT
   Now we’re saying this as personal trainers. Guys, it’s one month of your lives and the most important part is spending time with your family. So if you indulge too much or simply can’t resist the unicorn challah don’t beat yourself up about it. Do your very best, be proud of that and just enjoy the whole experience.

Fear not…our classes will recommence after all the festivities and we look forward to seeing old and new faces in October!

Drop us an email for any fitness and nutrition questions you might have on info@ace-lifestyle.com