20 Day Holiday Workout Challenge
Now that we’ve said sayonara to both Halloween and Thanksgiving, I think it’s safe to say that we’re currently in the thick of the holiday season. I’ve even got the decorations to prove it.
From holiday parties with buffets of seasonal cakes & cookies, to the urge to cook and devour warm carbs every night, the chilly winter season is full of temptation and opportunities to overindulge. For me though, it’s easier to manage winter weight gain by staying active instead of refusing to enjoy special, once-a-year holiday goodies. Therefore this year I’ve decided to ward off the weight with a plan.
There’s 20 weekdays from now until Christmas, and I intend to workout on every single one of them, taking Saturdays & Sundays off. ‘Cause your body needs a break, and I hate working out on the weekends.
There, I said it.
Luckily I have 40+ treadmill and workout routines to choose from on my Workouts Page, so every day I’ll pick one and, come hell, high water, or, shudder, a 5am trip to the gym – I’ll complete it.
Please feel free to join me in my challenge if you’d like, in any way you can. Maybe you hate running, but love walking, using the elliptical, or taking workout classes. Perfect! The idea is just to stay active over the next 20 weekdays.
I’ve created a 20 Day Holiday Workout Challenge page where I’ll be documenting what I do. Leave your blog URL, or name if you don’t have a blog, in the comments section of that page if you plan on participating in the challenge. I’ve also tossed around the idea of making a button to copy/paste on your blog, so let me know if there’s any interest in that!
In the meantime, here’s to the most wonderful, time – and YOU – of the year!
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How do you ward off holiday/winter-related weight gain? Making careful food choices, taking it up a notch in the gym, or just figuring it will even out eventually?
Do you have to cook to accomodate a special diet, or food allergies?
Amy 11.28.2011
Is Ben’s diet really all that bad? I eat fairly well, but have borderline high cholesterol. However, my “good” numbers are higher than average, which brings up the overall average. I’m not overly concerned. The doctor mailed me a “diet” I’m supposed to be on – and if I ate what they recommended, I’d gain weight back (it has way, WAY too many carbs for me not to *gain* weight!). People who eat a lot of protein tend to have higher cholesterol than people on the SAD (Standard American Diet), so I’m not too overly concerned. Also, all my other numbers are over-the-top fantastic (besides my weight) – bp, triglyerides, etc., so I’m not at a huge risk.
To deal with my issue, I’ve been trying to cut sugar out and lose 10% of my body weight. It’s going okay. Not great, but okay.
Lindsey 11.28.2011
As a nurse, I have to applaud you guys! Seems like most patients are opting for “the easy way out” these days. You know, such as a pill so you can go on eating whatever. I’m proud of you both for trying to FIX the problem not COVER IT UP! :) I have type 1 diabetes, so I try to limit my sugars and carbs. Can’t wait to try these burgers!
Iowa Girl Eats 11.29.2011
The Dr tried to immediately put him on a pill, which kind of shocked us. He’s going to try and change the numbers with good eating & exercise habits before even considering!
Kelly 12.01.2011
When I first got married my husband had the same problem. After 6 months of marriage the doctor had to ask him what changed because his numbers were the best he had seen. It was great! Good luck with your great cooking it will turn around for sure. Since he loves B-ball maybe he could join a league to exercise.
Hillary [Nutrition Nut on the Run] 11.28.2011
I like the determination! Get it girl.
Anita 11.28.2011
Thank you for the delich low-cholesterol idea– my number is a little high, too!
Karla 11.28.2011
This burger and the workout plan sound Amazing (capital A on purpose)! :) I agree with Trisha above: “…because there are very few IGE ideas that aren’t BRILLIANT.” With delicious meals like this, Ben won’t miss a thing!
Rebeca 11.28.2011
Ummm yum! Those burgers look great! I plan on doing a 4 & 8 week challenge myself, to welcome the new year. Can’t wait to go look at your 20 day one!
kellyo 11.28.2011
This is a great idea! I’m in! Starting with a 6:00am spinning class tomorrow…
Jane 11.28.2011
Husband has high blood pressure, I have high cholesterol, but perfect blood pressure….it’s really annoying, esp when I feel like I do a lot to keep it down! It does run in the family too, so that’s not helping any! I am in on the challenge, I go through periods of inactivity (except work which is on my feet moving) so I definitely need to reset on this!! :)
lauren b 11.28.2011
It looks like cholesterol is getting its ass kicked by deliciousness. Very nice creativity! Also very nice addition of the e-mail subscription option. [;
Lisa @ Life in Green 11.28.2011
Love the flavors in that burger…hope to make it soon.
I ate so much food over Thanksgiving weekend, that my body has been craving straight up veggies this week…green beans, broccoli, spinach just steamed with nothing added.
Good idea with the 20 day challenge. I attend yoga class twice/week, teach it twice/week…so that leaves me one day on my own. Should be easy….should be.
kathleen @ the daily crumb 11.28.2011
poor ben! i don’t have any special diet cookbooks, but try to focus on lean meats, veggies, fruit… you know, the usual! i’ve tried these rachel ray burgers before… delish.
JennyV 11.28.2011
Sometimes high cholesterol readings can come after a person has been sick or under a lot of physical distress. I also had a very high cholesterol reading over a year ago — and was of average weight and body fat, don’t eat a ton of red meat, don’t smoke, etc.
Cells in your body need fat in order to function properly.
Kate @ Stripes and Polka Dots 11.28.2011
Oh man, you read my mind! I’ve been feeling so gross, my husband and I agreed that we really need to watch what we eat in between now and Christmas. I’ve also been in a workout rut, so maybe I need to commit to this! I like it!
Lisa @ Dishes of Mrs. Fish 11.28.2011
My first day of training for my upcoming spring half marathon started today, so I’m all about the 20 day challenge. These burgers sound divine! We often make greek turkey meatballs, love!
C. 11.28.2011
I’m in!! I need this. You should totally make a button to paste in, that would be awesome. My plan is to count a walk as a workout if it’s a fast-paced one that lasts at least 30 minutes.
Melissa 11.28.2011
Sign me up! I haven’t been doing the best job of having treats in moderation (Hello Thanksgiving followed by a giant bag of holiday peanut M&M’s!), so this is a great compromise(?). Yep, I’m on board. And yes, it will even out eventuatlly, but I don’t want to get into terrible habits . . .
Lindsey 11.28.2011
I just make sure I stay moving! If it is gym trips, outdoor runs or yoga as long as I move my body. I also do make sure to enjoy holiday food in moderation. I stop at a couple cookies and think hard when I want that second plate of food. But there is no deprivation!
Lindsay @ The Reluctant Runner 11.28.2011
I keep my weight in check over the holiday season by only indulging on Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas. The rest of the season I make sure to keep my calories reasonable and to exercise!
Trisha 11.28.2011
Okay, I’m gonna do it. Not because I like working out, but because there are very few IGE ideas that aren’t BRILLIANT so…here I go!
Hubby and I decided to book our honeymoon just after Christmas so my motivation to keep off the holiday pounds is even more extreme this year. Thanks for the inspiration to get off my butt!
Kristin 11.28.2011
Love the 20 day challenge, I’m on board!