Holidays don’t mean you have to let your health and fitness goals slide!

Holidays can mean a lot of celebration, togetherness, food, goodies, and the list can go on. While this time is filled with fun, it also can do some damage to your fitness and health goals. I’ve rounded up some of my favorite tips to stay on track during the holidays.

Have a plan and get it done early.

• Set your fitness goals and choose to do your workouts first thing in the morning. Failing to plan is planning to fail. My best recommendation would be to set up what your workout routine looks like on a holiday. Decide whether it is a family hike, a morning run, or a trip to the gym to lift some weights. Then, take advantage of the time off, and go when you would be normally starting your day at the office. Doing it first thing ensures that you get it done and then can partake in all the fun later on.

Don’t go for thirds if you’re full.

• Yes, Thanksgiving is about being thankful, togetherness, and let’s face it: the food. Even if you do plan on indulging in some food that you maybe don’t eat all times of the year, set realistic boundaries for yourself. Instead of refilling your plate 3 times, maybe try 2. I was reading a fitness magazine last week, and it suggested instead of wearing elastic pants, opt for jeans. And honestly, it’s a mindset, after having a serving of stuffing, having another isn’t going to change how good it tastes. Don’t worry, there will be leftovers.

Booze the right way.

•  If your family is anything like mine, there will be ample festive drinks all about the party. Opt for mixed drinks with no sugar, wine, or your favorite spirit on the rocks. Drinks can quickly inflate your caloric intake. And the plus side to less sugar is less of a hangover!

Avoiding germs

• Now this doesn’t have much to do with fitness, however I think it’s important. A lot of shared time with loved ones can mean a lot of shared germs. Be mindful of washing your hands and sharing food items. There is nothing worse than being derailed from your goals because of the flu.

Treat Yo Self!

• Enjoy yourself! This is the best time of the year and it is great for a mental break from work and stress, so take advantage of it. Yes, we want to stay on track during the holidays, but we all work very hard day in and day out, so you do deserve to treat yourself. But keep in mind, there is a difference from treating yourself and over indulging. Once you get this part figured out for you personally, you will find there is no secret diet to fitness success it’s about balance and moderation.

I hope these are some helpful tips to help you stay on track during the holidays! Have a great Thanksgiving and a Very Merry Christmas.