How to Keep Fit During the Holidays

Each year, the holiday season brings cross-country travel and gift-buying marathons that can cut

into our usual workout routines. Add in decadent holiday dishes and rich traditional desserts, and

it’s no wonder why so many people see their waistlines growing in the New Year. This winter,

avoid unnecessary holiday weight gain by making time to give your body the exercise and

nutrition it needs.

Avoid Overeating during the Holidays

On holidays like Thanksgiving, many of us make the mistake of fasting all day long in order to

try as many festive dishes as possible. This tactic works against us: It’s a form of short-term

starvation that leads to overindulging.

Plan for a day of heavy eating by starting with a proper breakfast. Later, in the hours before a

large holiday meal, snack on fresh fruits and vegetables or healthy energy bars so you’re less

likely to overdo it at the dinner table. Make sure to stay hydrated, too. Feeling thirsty can trick us

into thinking we’re hungry, which may lead to filling up on extra servings.

Maintain Regular Exercise

Don’t let the frantic pace of the holiday season excuse missed sessions at the gym. Part of

staying fit through the winter months is maintaining your regular workout plan. Try these tips to

get your blood pumping, even when there are a dozen items on your to-do list:

Hit the a.m. Gym Cycle: Getting to the gym bright and early not only means free rein

with the elliptical machines, it also clears the rest of your day to focus on other items;

from last-minute gift shopping to holiday food preparation.

Create a Rewards System: When you’re busy, it can be difficult to work up the

motivation needed for the gym. Try devising a system to earn rewards when you follow

through on regular exercise. For example, awarding a point for each set of reps completed

at the gym, or number of laps around the track. After reaching a certain number of points,

compensate yourself for a job well done by purchasing a new piece of workout

equipment or filling your plate with an extra slice of pumpkin pie.

Work Out on the Go: Worried about holiday travel cutting into your exercise routine?

Try non-conventional means of staying active, like booking hotels with workout rooms,

helping relatives clean the house before the annual Christmas party, or playing catch with

cousins during family functions. You can also park as far from the mall entrance as

possible during shopping trips, or skip the elevator in the parking garage in favor of the

stairs. Remember that any activity is better than no activity.

Get the Whole Family Involved

The family that works out together, stays together! Motivate others to remain active by

suggesting a post-meal walk around the neighborhood, or encouraging relatives to join running

or walking events in your area.

At the beginning of each New Year, gyms across the country see an uptick in memberships as a

result of waistlines widening from rich holiday foods and seasonal stress. Avoid winter weight

gain by remembering to make time for your health and wellbeing.