How to plan a night out around your health and fitness goals?
Careful planning means you can have a night out and still achieve fitness goals
A recent chat with a client highlighted an issue they are struggling with at the moment - managing nights out and weekend plans alongside their fitness goals. Fortunately, and to my clients' relief - there are numerous things we can do before, during and after a night out to ensure we can both enjoy ourselves while keeping things moving in the direction we desire!
In my opinion, it is best to plan nights out and social events in advance so that we can reduce any anxiety that may revolve around bingeing and overdoing it in general. Planning ahead allows us to be strategic in how we want to spend our time and get the most out of it without the worry and guilt that can sometimes ensue when things are done last minute. Plan out how you will alter or lower calories in the earlier parts of the day to account for an increased intake later that day.
Simply put, try to be clever with your drink and food choices. Today it is easier than ever to substitute in zero calorie drinks and low calorie beers! Use this to your advantage if you can. When it comes to food, try an option for a lean protein source that you will enjoy, and simply be mindful of portion sizes of other foods consumed throughout! Drink plenty of water as this will ensure we remain hydrated and will usually help to curb hunger to a degree!
In order to best manage these scenarios, it is usually best to have some meals prepped for the next day that are both appetising and appropriate for your goals. This strategy helps to ensure that you avoid the all too convenient take away the next day or at least have several goal orientated healthy meals alongside a take-away.
The reality is, if you remain consistent with your health and fitness habits, you will continue to make progress. While night out and such can be slightly misaligned with health and fitness goals, they are only going to slow us down slightly. Once we apply habits similar to what I have mentioned above - there is no reason why we can’t incorporate these social events and make progress!
I am also delighted to announce that I am now offering an in-person Personal Training service at Kingfisher Fitness Club, Waterford. Please get in touch through the contact information below or call into reception to check availability and avoid disappointment as spaces are limited.
“Balance is not something you find, it’s something you create.” - Jana Kingsford
Lastly, I would also like to clarify that I am not a registered dietician. All advice disclosed here is simply advisory based on my qualifications as a fitness professional and personal experience and knowledge gained working with individuals and helping them reach their goals. The advice given is not designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.
I hope someone out there found some of this information useful here, just some food for thought.
