1. Write down goals for the holiday season. Writing down what you want to achieve is a great way to hold yourself accountable. It’s easy to tell yourself, “I don’t want to gain 5lbs this season; I want to lose 5lbs,” but it takes on a life of its own when you write it on a piece of paper and put it in a place that will serve as a daily reminder. Be realistic! During the holidays people have a tendency to do one of two things: splurge for an entire week or severely restrict calories. Both approaches will never allow you to reach your goals.
2. Come up with an exercise plan. Again, it’s easy to say you’re going to work out. However, when you’re faced with an endless list of holiday activities, there is always something that could get in the way. Write down a specific plan for the gym or at-home workouts that includes the days you will exercise, the time, and your specific plan of attack.
3. Fuel yourself prior to the party! Always eat well-balanced clean meals every two to three hours especially when you know you’ll be hitting a holiday soiree. Make sure you eat an appropriate amount of complex carbohydrates and lean protein before you leave the house. Eating before you go will mean you are less likely to indulge when you get to the party.
4. Keep it clean during the week, but then allow yourself to relax a little. Indulge in a holiday dish once or twice on the weekend. If you restrict yourself too much you’re more likely to over-eat or fall off the wagon.
5. Host the party! Inviting friends or family over for the holidays typically means you are in control of the food that is served. Ask your friends to bring clean-inspired dishes or prepare them yourself. If you attend the party as a guest, you don’t get to choose what’s on the menu.

Next time I will give you five more ways to approach your “Holiday Fitness!”

Editor’s Note: Visit Victoria's page