Ten Tips for Staying in Shape During the Holidays

The holiday season is almost upon us. It's a time of excitement, joy, parties and family time. It's also a time of chaos, food and more food. Yes, the holidays are the time when most people put on a few pounds due to all the delicious treats and big feasts. It's difficult not to. There's so much temptation. Pumpkin pies, mashed potatoes, cookies and cakes galore. So, how can one possibly make it through the holidays and stay in shape? Here are a few tips.

1.Don't starve yourself
You're going to a party later so you don't eat breakfast or lunch. It'll be fine then, you're just saving your calories for later, right? Wrong. Starving yourself is not only unhealthy but it will likely lead you to binging later as well. You'll eat more than you normally would have had you eaten earlier in the day and since it's the evening your body won't have time to burn it off. Thus, it just turns into fat.

2.Remember, holidays are days
Holidays are specific days, not two months of celebratory eating. Sure there are more parties than the days of the actual holidays due to gatherings with work associates, friends and extended family, but you have to make a choice. Do you want to stay in shape or not?

3.Set up a workout schedule
The holiday season, while somewhat more hectic, should still be like any other time. You have a set schedule for working out. Try your best to stick to it. If you normally run Thursday nights but you know two weeks in advance that you'll be going to a party reschedule your workout for earlier in the day or the day before or after. Don't skip workouts on account of it being the holiday season.

4.Drink lots of water
Drinking lots of water will help you fill up so you won't be as hungry. Not only that but it will help keep you healthier. Notice how many people get sick in the winter with the cold weather season? There's a lot more indulgent drinking during this time (alcohol, cider, coffee, hot chocolate). Many people forget to drink water and cleanse their bodies. So drinking water will serve a double purpose for you, fill you up and clean you out.

5.Choose healthier options
Since you will be going to several functions and eating everywhere you go you should look for healthier options. Cranberry sauce is better for you than mashed potatoes loaded with butter. Maybe replace the stuffing with a fruit salad. Make healthy choices.

6.Give yourself a healthy gift
Buy yourself a present. A gym membership, home workout gear, new running shoes, a set of hand weights. Whatever it may be by buying yourself a gift you are making a commitment to working toward a healthy lifestyle.

7.Throw away the leftovers
It's one thing to enjoy a big meal one day, it's another to eat it for the next week. Throw away the leftovers. Or give them away if you can't stand to see food wasted. You don't need them. You got your fill and that's it.

8.Choose your locations at a party wisely
Everyone seems to linger around the food at a party. Ever notice that? They all huddle around the trays of goodies and continue to shovel things in their mouths for no reason other than it tastes good and the hand to mouth movement becomes like a mechanical routine. Take your conversations away from the eating area. If you're engaged in a conversation suggest that you go sit on a couch in another room or stroll around in the fresh air. Anything to get away from the temptation!

9.Watch what you drink
The excess of calories during the holidays isn't just in food, it comes in the form of liquids too. Eat, drink and be merry. Sound familiar? If you plan on drinking at a function be sure to drink lots of water earlier in the day and cut back on your food intake. Come on, you can't have it all!

10. Eat your favorites, but in moderation
Everyone knows this advice, but few of us put it into practice. Every time you want to indulge think about the after effects. If you're still craving more of those creamy potatoes then make a commitment to walk everywhere you go the following day while shopping. You can create compromises but stick to them.

Good luck managing your waistline. Enjoy the holidays but remember, you'll soon be starting a new year. Do you want to start off the year wishing you hadn't indulged quite so much or proud that you've taken care of yourself and ready for a new year of great possibilities and opportunities? It's all up to you.