The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the inevitable stress of endless parties, family gatherings, and tempting treats. But amidst the chaos, celebrity trainer Don Saladino, the mastermind behind Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds’ sculpted physiques, has a message for all of us: eat more this holiday season.
Yes, you read that right. Don, who has worked with the A-list couple for over a decade, believes that the key to holiday wellness isn’t deprivation, but rather balance and moderation.
“I want people to enjoy the holidays,” Don tells E! News in an exclusive interview. “It’s a time to celebrate with loved ones, and food is a big part of that. I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t indulge in their favorite treats.”
Instead of restrictive diets and grueling workouts, Don encourages a more holistic approach to wellness during the holidays. Here are his top tips:
1. Embrace Your Favorite Foods: Don’t deprive yourself of the dishes you love. Instead, enjoy them in moderation and focus on savoring each bite. “I have never seen anyone suffer from eating a lot of healthy foods,” Don says. “You can overeat your protein and vegetables and your sweet potato.”
2. Eat Before Parties: Don’t arrive at a holiday gathering famished. “Eat a real meal 90 minutes to two hours before you go,” advises Don. This helps maintain blood sugar levels and prevents overeating.
3. Prioritize Hydration: Staying hydrated is crucial for overall health and well-being, and it can also help curb cravings during the holidays. Don recommends drinking at least half your body weight in water daily.
4. Maintain Your Non-Negotiables: Even amidst the holiday frenzy, prioritize your non-negotiable wellness practices. This could include getting 7-8 hours of sleep, doing some form of physical activity every day, and taking time for relaxation and self-care.
5. Make Exercise Enjoyable: Don’t force yourself into grueling workouts during the holidays. Instead, choose activities you enjoy, like going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport.
6. Focus on Consistency: Don emphasizes that sustainable healthy habits are key. “The holidays are only a few weeks out of the year,” he reminds us. “Focus on making healthy choices most of the time, and don’t stress about a few indulgences.”
7. Don’t Beat Yourself Up: Everyone overindulges occasionally, and that’s okay. “If you have a day where you eat more than you intended,” says Don, “just get back on track the next day. Don’t beat yourself up about it.”
8. Celebrate with Loved Ones: The holidays are about spending time with loved ones. Focus on creating meaningful connections and enjoying the company of those you care about.
9. Enjoy the Season: Don’t let the stress of the holidays overshadow the joy. “Take some time to relax, recharge, and appreciate all the good things in your life,” says Don.
10. Embrace a Positive Mindset: Approach the holidays with a positive and grateful attitude. “Focus on the things you’re thankful for,” Don suggests. “This can help you stay present and enjoy the season.”
By following these tips, you can navigate the holiday season without sacrificing your health or your happiness. Remember, it’s all about balance, moderation, and enjoying the time spent with loved ones.
Don’t miss out! To help you stay on track during the holidays, Don is offering two special programs: Deadpool 2 and Train Like Blake Lively 2.0. These programs provide access to the exact exercises Ryan and Blake use in their workouts, helping you achieve their sculpted physiques. And for a limited time, you can use the code E!20 for 20% off either program.
So, this holiday season, ditch the guilt and embrace the joy. Eat more of the foods you love, prioritize your well-being, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.