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Ian Young

Dieting at Christmas


I left voice message this evening to a client who has done EXTREMELY well, they were going out tonight for a nice meal and a couple of sociable Christmas drinks.


They have a very specific goal in mind and are so so close to getting there - I think there was a worry that by going out tonight this goal will be pushed back!


You’ll see PT’s / Coaches harp on about structure and discipline over Christmas - and yes I do talk about it as well, BUT I certainly don’t sit on a perch and preach that i’m some sort of saint and i’m going to be ultra good and lie to my team that I wouldn’t do this, I won’t do that !




I’m very much a realist, I’m extremely black and white and don’t suffer fools and there are way too many living the “all to perfect” life on social media - its all for the gram !


However, I do feel structure and discipline has a place over the Christmas and New Year period, having some sort of freedom and fun over this period won’t be the reason you don’t reach your goal!


My thought process on this is, and one that I think you’ll instantly recognise - I try to instil discipline throughout the whole year, the reason for this by being disciplined at following a structured lifestyle throughout the year we can enjoy Christmas and not really notice too much of a difference on the other side.


Those who try to enforce discipline over the Christmas period will struggle, if you haven’t been able to implement this throughout the year why would the Christmas period make any difference, especially when there are so many distractions out there for us!


All I aim to do is to keep my discipline and structure in place with my training, to keep that activity where possible - obviously I’m going to relax my foods and have a few vinos on occasions over the period to relax a little more than usual.


I don’t agree with December becoming a free for all - eating / drinking to excess with no structure in place to keep the activity there - January and February will be long months trying to undo all that “excess” over the space of 3 or 4 weeks!


I have always been very much focused on leading a balanced lifestyle, I tell all my clients to have cheat meals (when justified), I tell them to value precious time with their family and to also remember there is more to life than training and being strict all the time! Christmas is a time to focus on quality relaxation with foods (for a few days).


Bottomline - there are times when you need to focus and times when you need to relax!


I’d love to hear if you have any questions - and I hope you’re enjoying the Christmas week so far.



Ian

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