During the Holidays it can be especially difficult to keep up with your fitness. Between all the traveling and the family meals together, it can feel almost impossible to stay on track.
Here's what to do this year that will help keep you on the right track.
Make it just the meal
Lots of family means lots of meals. Make sure it's JUST the meal and not the entire day of eating. Do this by making sure to eat healthy meals throughout the rest of the day. These meals should be smaller, but focus around lots of fresh vegetables, fruit, and lean protein.
Don't Skip Meals
Too often I see people starve themselves before their family gatherings so they can "reserve" calories for the big meal. The problem here is that you'll enter that meal absolutely starving and with nothing but "hunger apathy." You won't care anymore about what or how much you're eating.
Instead, eat multiple meals... especially breakfast. That way you're metabolism is stoked when you sit down to your meal.
Workout
Get up early and get your workout in. Sure, you may not have to work. Sure, family is in town. Do whatever it is you need to do in order to at least get a good 30 minute workout in.
Only take the "good" leftovers
Don't take home the junk that yo know you shouldn't eat. Stick to the turkey and vegetable sides. You'll have lots of good meat and veggies going in to the following week and a helluva good jump on next week's meal prep.
BYOD
Bring your own dessert. There's going to be a ton of desserts around. Stay away as much as possible, but when you indulge, make in on a little bit healthier option.
There are tons of great recipes out there for healthy desserts. Do some googling of your favorites and see what healthy alternatives are out there. You'll probably be surprised!