We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
We call it the most wonderful time of the year – a time of giving, family traditions and, of course, food! But for many professional athletes, just because the holidays roll around doesn't mean we take time off from training and competing.
Does that mean we can’t enjoy the delicious edible (and drinkable) delicacies that go hand in hand with Christmas? Of course not. But there are a couple of things that I like to take into consideration before stuffing my face.
First, how will my body react? I don’t eat much sugar or drink a lot of alcohol, so I’ve become quite the lightweight in both departments. I can handle a small dessert or Swedish ‘fika’ (a coffee and cake break during the day), but more than that and I'm usually doubled up with stomach pain. Meanwhile, too many sugary cocktails in the evening and I just can’t fall asleep. Sad but true.
So if I really want to optimise my performance and recovery during the holidays, I make sure that I schedule the big feasts and treats for the day before a day off. Sometimes it feels dramatic to plan such a spirited time around exercise but my body always thanks me when I’m running intervals on the treadmill.
The second thing I try to do when eating and drinking during the holidays is be mindful. Being present in each moment makes every bite taste better. I eat more slowly and end up eating less because I actually notice that I’m full. Even if I do end up overdoing it, I never feel guilty because I know I've savoured the entire experience. Sometimes that can give me even more energy and motivation than the healthiest of meals.
This is why I love gingerbread cookies. The process of rolling out the dough, carefully cutting shapes, and then creating ‘art’ when decorating. I also compete with my mum to see who can make the most interesting gingerbread person. We can’t help it. When it finally comes around to eating our masterpieces, there’s much more to each cookie than the basic ingredients that went into the bowl. Basically, it all comes down to balance. Not only is it the key to nutrition during the holidays but, in my opinion, it’s also the key to life.
Now I’m going to go and eat the rest of my cookie.
For more fitness tips, recipes and words of wisdom, check out Ali Riley’s insta account @love2eat2love
