Motivational Monday: Holiday Survival Guide

The holidays are always a difficult time to stay on track with all of the parties, obligations, traveling ect. These times can be overwhelming and lead people to cheat more and workout less. Here are some quick tips to survive the holiday season.

1. Embrace "Fast Food" Instead of just going through the drive thru embrace things like rotisserie chickens from the grocery store. Take off the skin and serve it with some veggies for a quick but healthier option for meals after a long day.

2. Go for Seconds- If you intend to eat more than one serving at the holiday meal then do not overload your plate the first time. Think ahead about the things you are going to want to try and then plan. Scoop out smaller portions of the foods you like so if you do go back you do not over indulge.

3. Work Treats-At work there usually tends to be plenty of sweet treats and not a ton of fruit or veggie trays laying around. Allow yourself one treat that way you do not binge eat later on. Stock your desk with healthy snacks so when you feel a craving come on eat one of your snacks to avoid the extra calories.

4. Don't Set New Goals Now: Soon the New Year's Resolutions start....if you attmept to try and completely change your life now you are more likely to fail and thus lose motivation to continue trying. If you set impractical goals that you know you do not have time to really give your attention to then you are more likely to quit.

5. Stay Hydrated!- Keep healthy beverages like water and unsweetend juices around so that you are less likely to over do the drinks at the parties. This is especially important during your shopping trips. When you start to become tired and hugry you usually reach for the Dunkin or Starbucks. Not this time keep a water bottle in your bag!

6. Healthy Hosting- Parties do not have to completley derail you from your daily healthy lifestyle. If you are hosting a party create a variety of foods so that there are health options to choose from while also providing some of the holiday favorites. Healthy eating with natural foods can be fun and become trendy.

7. Healthy Breakfast on the Go to Start Your Day Off Right- Instead of skipping breakfast in the rush of the holidays drink Shakeology! It takes two minutes to make and is a delicious treat that tastes like a cheat. It will help you stay on track, decrease your cravings and improve your mood!

8. Stop the Excuses Now- Everyone can come up with a million excuses but if you took that time and put some effort into it then you could get a workout in! If you are saying you don't have time then wake up earlier. All it takes is 30 minutes a day! Or are you saying I will just start on January 1st?? That just means you will have more weight to work off. Start now if you commit you will succeed.

9. Cannot take your home gym with you? Then utilize quick workout challenges- Doing things like push, jumping jacks, squats, lunges and jumping rope can increase your heart rate and help you stay active even in the hotel.

10. Find an accountability Partner- Tell one of your family members or significant others your goals so that you can stay accountable over the holidays. Find someone who will help motivate you and understand if you have a difficult day. Find someone that can help build you up not break you down.