Surviving the Holiday Hustle: Why Consistency is King

Ah, the holidays. A magical time of twinkling lights, endless parties, and a calendar packed tighter than Santa's sleigh on Christmas Eve. It's the season of joy, indulgence, and, let’s be honest, a sprinkle of chaos. But amidst the festivities and late-night gift wrapping, there’s a lurking dilemma: how do you stay consistent with your fitness and health goals when life seems to demand all your time, energy, and restraint?

Before you throw your gym shoes in the corner and decide that "New Year, New Me" will fix everything, hear me out. Surviving the holiday hustle doesn’t mean saying no to fun—it means making choices that keep you on track without being the grumpy Grinch at the dinner table.

Let’s dig in, shall we?

Why the Holidays Can Derail Even the Best of Us

The holidays don’t just throw a wrench in your plans—they toss in the whole toolbox.

Here’s why:

• The All-or-Nothing Mindset
  Ever caught yourself thinking, “I’ll just start fresh in January”? That’s the holiday siren song calling you to the couch with a plate of gingerbread cookies. The problem? Going from zero to sixty in the New Year is about as pleasant as running Fran with a candy cane hangover.

• A Calendar That Never Sleeps
  With family gatherings, office parties, and last-minute shopping sprees, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time left for yourself. Suddenly, workouts become optional and meal prep turns into whatever’s quickest (hello, quality street chocolates!).

• Food. So. Much. Food.
  Tables groan under the weight of feasts. Turkey, stuffing, and puddings are calling your name. It’s not just the abundance; it’s the sheer variety. Combine this with the tendency to graze between meals, and you’ve got a recipe for feeling sluggish and disconnected from your goals.

Flipping the Script: How Consistency Can Save the Holidays

Let’s ditch the survival mindset. This isn’t about just scraping by; it’s about thriving. By staying consistent with small, intentional actions, you’ll not only feel better during the holidays—you’ll crush it when the New Year rolls around.

Here’s how to approach it:

1. The Plate Strategy: Don’t Just Survive the Feast, Own It

Holiday feasts can feel like a battleground. Here’s the secret: make your plate work for you.

• Prioritize Protein
  Turkey isn’t just the star of the show—it’s your secret weapon. Load your plate with lean, whole protein sources like turkey, roast beef, or plant-based alternatives. This will keep you full and help repair the muscles you’ve been working hard in the gym.

• Go Wild with Veggies
  Seasonal greens and roasted root veggies? Yes, please. Pile your plate high with these nutrient powerhouses. Not only are they packed with vitamins, but they also take up valuable plate real estate that might otherwise be filled with, let’s say, less optimal options.

• Taste Everything, But Don’t Overindulge
  Want the stuffing, the Yorkshire pudding, or that rich casserole your aunt swears by? Take a taste—guilt-free. The key is to make them the accents, not the foundation, of your meal.

• Stick to Real Foods
  As a rule of thumb, if you could harvest it on a farm an hour before eating, it’s probably a good choice. Real, whole foods will leave you satisfied and energized.

2. The Power of Movement: Fitness Is Not on Holiday

You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to stay consistent. Small bursts of movement go a long way, especially during this busy season.

• Be Flexible
  Can’t make it to your regular workout? No problem. A quick bodyweight circuit at home or a brisk walk after a meal can keep your momentum going.

• Partner Up
  Use the social aspect of the holidays to your advantage. Invite a friend or family member to join you for a workout. Think of it as bonding time with bonus endorphins.

• Embrace the Catch-Up Days
  If you miss a session, don’t stress. Open gym or "catch-up days" (like we run at CrossFit 1864!) are perfect for ticking off missed benchmarks or just getting in some movement to reset your mood.

Mindset Matters: Thriving Instead of Surviving

The holidays are about connection, joy, and memories—not punishment or perfection. Here’s how to shift your mindset:

• Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
  Consistency isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about doing the best you can with what you’ve got.

• Reframe Rest
  Rest isn’t falling off the wagon; it’s part of the process. Take that long winter’s nap after a great meal. Rest well, recover, and come back stronger.

• Ditch the Guilt
  A single meal won’t ruin your progress, just like a single workout won’t make you fit. Give yourself grace and enjoy the season.

The Science of Timing: Fed vs. Fasting

Constant grazing is a common holiday habit—and it’s a sneaky one. Research shows that long periods of fasting between meals help regulate blood sugar and reduce inflammation. In fact, hunter-gatherer societies—those ultimate CrossFitters of history—rarely suffered from modern diseases because they had clear “fed” and “fasting” states.

• Actionable Tip
  Avoid snacking all day long. Eat satisfying meals with plenty of protein, veggies, and fats to keep you full, then let your body rest between meals.

Your Holiday Game Plan

Here’s the bottom line:

1. Prioritize Protein and Veggies: Let the stars of the table fill your plate and leave room for the festive treats you want to enjoy.

2. Keep Moving: Even short workouts make a difference, so stay active in a way that fits your schedule.

3. Balance Fed and Fasting: Avoid constant grazing to help your body stay in a healthy rhythm.

The holidays don’t have to derail your progress. Stay consistent with small, intentional choices, and you’ll finish the season not just surviving but thriving.

When the New Year rolls around, you’ll already have the momentum to crush it—no resolutions needed.

Now, go enjoy that turkey, smash a quick WoD, and rest up. You’ve earned it.