OH! Magazine - Australian Version January 2018 | Page 7

( FITNESS & MOTIVATION )
HOW TO HANDLE RED
FLAG SITUATIONS
MICHELLE
BRIDGES
Michelle Bridges helps you stay on the healthy track during the holidays.
t’s the time of the year where there
are just stacks and stacks of what
I call 'red flag' events. Here are some solid preparation tips:
We’ve just come out of Christmas, we hit
new year, it’s holiday time for a lot of us,
and then comes Australia Day! There are
just so many celebratory and social
occasions, which typically bring with
them an abundance of temptation,
making it difficult to stay on your healthy
track. Have something sensible to eat before
you go and that way you won’t inhale the
chips, cheese and party pies when they’re
circulating around you.
I
So how do we stick to our goals and not
be felled by all the festivities, yet still
have fun along the way?
Never arrive hungry
Have something to hold
If you’re holding a napkin/camera/
handbag in one hand and a glass of
sparkling water in the other, there’s no
room for a plate of 'red flag regret'!
Alternate your drinks
The key is planning and preparation: two
things that I always maintain are the keys
to good health.
As the saying goes, 'if you fail to plan
then plan to fail', so plan your schedule –
remembering that you don’t have to say
'yes' to everything you are invited to! Put
the events you truly want to go to, into
your diary (planning) and then prepare
how you are going to approach and engage
in them.
Drink one water for every alcoholic drink.
This not only keeps the calories down but
it ensures that you stay upright and in
control, and don’t end up with your head
down the loo the next day!
Be the designated driver
If you really want to keep your calories
down, maintain a clear head and stay safe
from potential drink driving scenarios,
nominate yourself as the designated
driver. No doubt, you'll be someone's hero
for the night!
Substitute with sparkling water (in a
champagne glass!)
This is a trick I use all the time, as people
assume you’re drinking alcohol and you
don’t have to those boring conversations
that go ‘just 1 won’t hurt/are you on some
kind of diet/you’re such a party pooper’.
Buffer your blow out
If there’s an event on that you really want
to let your hair down at, then go for it!
Just build your buffer by training your
butt off on the day, and be sure to
schedule in a recovery revenge workout
the next day. You play, you pay!
My online fitness, nutrition and mindset
program 12WBT gives you all the tools,
tips and know-how to navigate your way
through life's 'red flag' situations, so what
are you waiting for? Come and join me for
a round!
YOU CAN CONTACT MICHELLE VIA:
Web: michellebridges.com.au
Facebook: Mishy.Bridges
Twitter: @mishbridges
Instagram: @mishbridges
OH! MAGAZINE ( JANUARY 2018 )
7