10 tips to help you stay at the top of your game this holiday season

Don’t “Fah-Lah-Lah” Off the Wagon

The holidays are typically filled with family, friends, and fitness pitfalls. While it’s perfectly ok to let loose a little, here are 10 tips to help you stay at the top of your game this holiday season.

Don’t skip meals. If you skip meals before a party or big family buffet to try to save calories, you are far more likely to overeat at the main event. Not only that, but by eating small meals or snacks throughout the day, you’ll be keeping your metabolism revved and ready to deal with the monster feast. Eat a high protein snack (like Greek yogurt or a handful of nuts) about an hour before the big meal to ensure you don’t arrive starving.
Don’t skip workouts. Speaking of a humming metabolism, by maintaining a consistent workout schedule, you’ll be lighting that internal fire that keeps calories burning even when you’re at rest. In fact, since we all tend to eat more during the holidays, it’s even more important to fit in those workouts whenever and wherever we can. If you have family or guests at your home, suggest taking walks together or have them join you as guests at your gym.
Drink water. Drinking water throughout the day will not only keep you hydrated, but it will also keep you feeling more full. One of the best times to down a glass? Right before you dig in to a big meal.
Be choosy. Only eat the things you REALLY want and that you have waited all year for (your aunt Edna’s stuffing or cousin Kyle’s deep fried turkey). Skip the stuff you aren’t craving or that you can get all year long.
Weigh the options. While you probably won’t find raw kale or quinoa salad at the party buffet, you can still make smart choices, or at least smarter Opt for the healthier options (broccoli versus green bean casserole, sweet potatoes versus white potatoes). And skip the rolls!
Mix it up. By alternating alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, you’ll not only cut your calories, but I bet you’ll feel better in the morning! And choose the lesser of the evils, like champagne or a simple mixed drink (vodka and soda), both of which only have about 100 calories.
Stay fit when traveling. Even when you can’t get to the gym, there are plenty of simple bodyweight exercises you can do in the guest room or your hotel room (try this: 20 squats/20 pushups/20 sit-ups. Next round is 19 of each. Keep counting down until you get to 1 rep of each). Other tips: pack a jump rope or try a local fitness class. There are plenty of ways to keep on course—so no excuses!
Plan ahead. Before a party or big meal, mentally choose what you’re going to let yourself indulge in and when you’re going to refrain (skip the appetizers but eat that apple pie like it’s your job). Likewise, plan out when you’re going to fit a workout in and where (if possible, plan to work out an hour or two before a big event so your metabolism is at its most heightened).
Be kind…to yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you do overindulge. One splurge meal—or even day—isn’t the end of the world. And don’t starve yourself the next day to atone, as it will only set you up to overeat again.
Have fun! Remember, above all else, this is a time to enjoy your family, your friends, and (hopefully) some time away from your normal routine. So make the smartest choices you can along the way, and have a wonderful holiday!!