How to Survive Holidays

I’m the first to admit, I lack self-control around holidays. Maybe it’s because I live a pretty consistent and disciplined lifestyle that I feel I can afford to let loose during these times. But I always end up paying for it in the days that follow, needing a few hard training sessions and dialed-in nutrition to feel like myself again. Today, I want to share a few tricks that have worked for me to reduce the damage from living your best life at the latest cookout or BBQ. 1. Fast Leading Up to the Event: If you know you’re going to indulge later, save your calories for then. Cookout food isn't something you get every day, so skip the breakfast sandwich and save those calories for an extra scoop of the good stuff later on. 2. Get Ahead on Water Intake: More often than not, you’ll be outside most of the day. It’s easy to get sidetracked and dehydrated after a long day of cornhole and adult beverages. Bonus points if you mix in some electrolytes early in the day too. 3. Get Active Before the Day Starts: Psychologically, you shouldn’t need to train to enjoy your day, but I find it feels better when I’ve earned those hamburgers. There’s no right or wrong way to train—just get some work in that makes you feel physically accomplished. 4. Consume 100 Grams of Protein to Break the Fast: Before diving into the potato salad or mac and cheese, consume 100 grams of protein. That’s roughly 3-4 hamburger patties or, for the Joey Chestnut fans, about 14-15 hot dogs. Consuming protein first helps curb hunger and may prevent you from overindulging on less nutritious foods. 5. 10-Minute Walks Post Meals: I can’t recommend 10-minute walks enough! If needed, tell your significant other you left something in the car and sneak out for a quick walk. It helps with digestion and keeps you active. 6. Sit Far Away from the Dessert Table: If you can walk by it easily, you’re more likely to grab a cookie now, a slice of pie next, and some strawberry shortcake later. Make one trip, pick the best thing off the table, and then avoid it for the rest of the day.

What tips do you have for me? What’s your secret for enjoying the holiday without completely coming off the rails? Reply with your best advice, please! As always, keep the fire burning. Leech If you found this article useful, here’s 3 more ways I can help: Want to learn more about Contact Prep Training? I've created a whole course with 60+ to add in to our offseason / summer training! IF YOU'VE BEEN USING THE COURSE, PLEASE TAG ME ON TWITTER! Contact Prep Course Need help building your offseason Speed, Condo, Contact Prep program? I created a course that gives you a full 12 week program AND teaches you every drill and why it’s in the program. IF YOU'VE BEEN USING THE PROGRAM, PLEASE TAG ME ON TWITTER! Gridiron Warrior Program Get The Villiain Arc. A 12-Week Bodybuilding Program designed to break you down and build you up into someone you never even imagined. Each week comes with it's own inspirational article as well. IF YOU'RE SCARED OF GAINING TOO MUCH MUSCLE, AVOID THIS LINK The Villain Arc