Week 15 - The party season!

Yep it is that time when we all start to post slightly out of focus pictures of ourselves looking slightly worse for wear but enjoying ourselves to the max.

Here I am with my old friend and Mauy Thai fighter Gaz

Not an easy time for the healthy lifestyle as the liver takes a pounding and we generally over indulge. But in my opinion we have to let go sometimes live is for living and we need to have that release.

It has been a bit of a weekend for myself and I am sure I am not on my own. Friday was a big night with a 5 pm start and ending up in a taxi at 2.45 am Saturday morning having drank enough to sink a battleship.

Saturday then becomes a right off and not only am I inactive but you crave the stodge to recover. In my case a Domino's pizza!

Feeling much better on the Sunday I still didn't train due to the social life but enjoyed a much needed catch-up with my brother and sister-in-law who live on the East coast. Only a Starbucks but I was tempted in by the muffins!

The thing is though I knew all this although of course I was never drinking to excess on the Friday that just happens!

But in my case what if anything can I do to compensate for this self-inflicted abuse in an attempt to still maintain my weight and keep on track?

Well my approach started last Monday! Knowing these events were coming I looked to cut my calories during the days leading up. No treats or added 'extras' to my meals and just trying to cut slightly. Not massively and not missing meals as that is never going to work and you'll end up in a worse state. Initially it seems to have worked and as of this morning the impact has been minimal.

The other element I have struggled with previously is that after such a weekend I would normally say 'right that's it! Come and get me!' as I dive into all the mince pies and eating to excess. This is the one big thing I have learnt with the help of Chris. Get back on it!

In other words don't stop partying but in the mundane parts of eating, the run of the mill meals and lunches keep to your plan.

I find it becomes a spiral you let yourself slip then think I will just eat another crap meal after all look at what I have achieved this year I deserve it! The answer is no I am afraid. Don't go back but merely dip your toe into the dark side of unhealthy eating. Enjoy every minute but don't get fully immersed.

So with a week to go let's enjoy it but my advise would be try find the balance.

The issue with Christmas is that we all step away from our regimented life. My usual Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and double Saturday go out of the window but still the same adage of prepare stands. This week I will be checking out the gym opening hours and class changes so I can get a plan in my mind of where I can still fit them in around family.

It is however a great time to discover other physical activities that normally I don't have time for such as walking and getting out. I know I need to start running given I have signed up for the Total Warrior again next year so this might be a time to start.

One final piece of advice is be careful what you agree to when under the influence. I was under pressure from several people to make a return to Mauy Thai. My gloves are well an truly hung up on that one I am far too old.....

Hope you all enjoy your week and I will try find time for a Christmas Eve blog next week.