It’s a ten-day celebration, and the whole city will be there! That’s right, Fiesta® is upon us, and it’s filled with parades, parties, mariachis, and margaritas. In other words, plenty of opportunities to eat, drink, and be festive. Before you put on your flower crown and hit the streets, we have a few tips to help you enjoy all the fun without sacrificing your fitness goals. Yes, believe it or not, it is possible to enjoy Fiesta® while staying fit. It just takes a little planning.
Fuel Up Before You Fiesta…with healthy snacks. If you know you are hopeless against the fried turkey leg at NIOSA or can’t resist the staple corn in a cup, pregame your party. Fill up on healthy, nutritiously dense foods like veggies and hummus, a small salad, or an apple with peanut butter before you go. Also, stash some almonds or a protein bar in your bag in case of a snack attack. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping you from falling for the funnel cake on every corner.
Everything in Moderation: What is it about holidays and festivals that make us eat as though it’s our last meal? There’s nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite Fiesta® fare, but you don’t need one of everything. Rather than approach a street fair like a buffet, be selective and thoughtful about your choices. Pick your favorite treat, the one you look forward to each year, and enjoy every delicious bite.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate….and then hydrate some more. April in San Antonio can be a scorcher. Couple high temperatures with margaritas that flow like the San Antonio River, and you’ve got a recipe for dehydration. Water should be your first line of defense at any Fiesta® event, indoors or out. It can help you feel full, slow your alcohol consumption, and keep you from passing out under the hot Texas sun. Don’t wait until you are thirsty. Have a bottle with you at all times and sip it constantly before, during, and after your events.
Count Your Cocktail Calories: It’s easy to forget that cocktails have calories—and they add up fast! Go for a skinny margarita and avoid things like sugary cocktail mixers. As mentioned above, alcohol is dehydrating. Additionally, it can lead to poor food (and other) choices and may affect your sleep quality. Plus, there’s nothing fun about waking up with a pounding headache. If you want a Fiesta hang-out without the hangover, Los Patios is hosting Family Fiesta on April 22 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Now in its second year, this sober event is something the whole family can enjoy.
Move Your Body
Late nights and day parades can make it hard to stick to your regular workout schedule. But just because you can’t make it to your favorite Smart Barre and Pilates doesn’t mean you can’t do anything. Go for a brisk walk or a quick jog outside. Do a short, bodyweight Tabata workout at home. How? Set a timer for 20 minutes and perform the following four bodyweight exercises for 20 seconds with a 10-second rest between each one: Squats, pushups, alternating forward lunges, and situps. If you like to mix your Fiesta® with your fitness, the Fiesta Fit Fest is happening April 14-16 at UTSA. From L’Etape San Antonio outdoor cycle event by Tour de France to a family fun 5K run, this event offers plenty of ways to sweat it out Fiesta® style. Or join us for our Smart Barre and Pilates 10th anniversary party at the Alon studio on Saturday, April 15. We will have pop-ups, free classes, sips, snacks, and more to help you “shake” up Fiesta®.
A healthy lifestyle is a balanced lifestyle, and it includes room for occasional indulgences. Be mindful of your choices, consistent with your movement, and clear about your goals, and you’ll be able to revel in the celebrations without ruining all your hard work. Viva Fiesta®!