Staying on track during the holiday

The holidays are a time for friends, family, and of course, food. While it's easy to let your fitness routine slide during this festive season, it's important to stay on track. Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays without derailing your diet and exercise plan.

Set realistic goals for yourself - don't try to lose 20 pounds in 2 weeks

We've all heard that age-old adage "dream big", but when it comes to setting goals for yourself, it might be best to have a bit more sense. Sure, the idea of having a drop-dead, fabulous bikini bod in the blink of an eye is tantalizing, but let's not set ourselves up for failure. Instead of aiming impossibly high and becoming discouraged afterwards, why not instead shoot for something easily attainable? Take the pressure off by just aiming to lose two or three pounds a week; slow and steady wins the race here! Even better, you'll be able to look back on your progress down the line without having gone through too much agony along the way.

Find a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer

Got the exercise blues? Why not shake them off and try to find a workout buddy or hire a personal trainer. Meeting up with someone consistently can do wonders for your motivation. But, if you think finding that special training partner is as much of a struggle as going to the gym itself, don't give up hope! Gyms are full of people with similar goals - and an atmosphere to match. So, don't be afraid to take advantage of such opportunities and challenge yourself to start exercising no matter what! Hire a respected personal trainer. Even Tiger Woods has a swing coach. You can always learn something new, and have another set of eyes to hold you accountable. 

Make a list of all the healthy foods you want to eat and stock your fridge and pantry with them

It can be easy to get into an unhealthy eating rut, so if you're looking to make a change for the better it's time to give your fridge and pantry a detox! Make a list of all the tasty and healthy foods that you want to eat, and use that as your shopping list. Not only does creating your own grocery list add excitement to the mundane task of food-shopping, but stocking up on nourishing ingredients like fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats will guarantee you always have delicious options ready and waiting when hunger strikes. Once you've loaded up with these good-for-you foods, cheers to taking control of your health through diet!

Avoid temptation by staying away from places where you know you'll be tempted to cheat on your diet

How many times have you gone out to dinner expecting to order a salad, only to find your craving for french fries overpowering your will-power? We've all been there. The best approach to avoiding temptation when it comes to cheating on our diets is by proactively staying away from places where we know we're not likely to make the best decisions. That's why I always bring my own meals when I'm invited somewhere - no matter how tempting the restaurant menu looks!

Give yourself a break every once in awhile - it's okay to indulge every now and then

We all need a break from life’s everyday stresses every now and again. In fact, it’s more than just okay - sometimes it’s downright necessary! Go take yourself out to lunch, buy a little treat for yourself, or curl up with a good book. A mild indulgence can be totally permissible; if you suddenly find yourself with cravings for an entire baggage of doughnuts - that might be a sign to take a step back and re-evaluate the situation. But don't castigate yourself for taking some time once in awhile! Make sure you stay sensible, but acknowledging that letting loose is just part of life's balance is important too!

Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may be!

Life is all about the small wins! It's great to recognize when we reach a major milestone or make something larger happen, but even if it's just conquering your laundry pile or making that delicious dinner you've been wanting to try, any accomplishment should be celebrated! Let's give ourselves a little pat on the back for all our successes throughout the day - no matter how small they may seem. Afterall, it's only with a supportive attitude and positive outlook that we can keep pushing our limits and reaching new heights. So go ahead and show yourself some appreciation - you deserve it.

Trying to make a lifestyle change can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. By following these simple tips, you can set yourself up for success. And when you slip up (because we all do), don't beat yourself up - just get back on track and keep going. Remember, even the smallest successes are worth celebrating. So what are you waiting for? Get started today! Download one of our FREE exercise plans and let us help you achieve your fitness goals.