5 Tips to Stay On Track

The harder I try to stay on track with my fitness and nutrition during the holidays, the less I actually stay on track.

Ya feel me?  Let's be real though, it's HARD this time of the year to stay on track with your nutrition and getting your workouts in. And it is OK.  But don't let it completely derail you.  Have a few cheats, but don't go on a bender!  Here are 5 great tips to staying on track through the holidays.

1. Workout first thing in the morning.  Trust me on this one.  You know it is a busy time of the year... there is no getting around that.  Planning to get your workout in as soon as you can after waking up gets it OUT OF THE WAY. Done.  Don't have to think about it again until tomorrow.  I have found that if I don't get my workout in before 2 pm... it just isn't happening, and on the rare occasion that it does happen, I totally half ass it.

2.  Allow yourself a cheat or two!  Really, it is no big deal to live a little (unless you are one of the few prepping for a     competition) cut yourself some slack.  After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.  Time for hosting and time for marshmallow roasting... for real.  Do it.  Live.  Laugh.  Enjoy your life right now.  Remember, I said a cheat or two (or maybe even a few).  That being said, keep it to that.  Don't completely derail.  You haven't put in all this hard work all year just to give up now.  And remember, allowing yourself some wiggle room with your nutrition won't make you feel like you are completely missing out and you might surprise yourself at how great you feel when you normally skip these treats and won't even want more than the few you give yourself for the holidays this year!

3.  Take care of yourself too.  Honestly.  This time of the year is all about giving and taking care of loved ones and friends... but don't forget about yourself!  I'm not saying to go out and buy yourself gifts.. I'm saying, take the time to read a good book (it's good for the soul) or spend a few more minutes in the shower, or hey!  How about this one.. go to bed earlier!!!!  We are all losing a little sleep right now, so plan on 30 minutes earlier to just take care of yourself.  Imagine how much better you will feel in the morning with just a little extra sleep!

4.  Keep meal planning.  I'll say it again... it is a busy busy busy time of the year and YES, I do realized I just said to allow yourself a cheat or few... but definitely keep meal planning.  Planning meals has taken so much stress out of my life.  Even simple planning, like JUST writing it down on your calendar for the week what you will be making for dinner each night takes the pressure off a little.  Want to take it a little further?  Plan for meals that coincide with another, for instance, shredded crockpot chicken for dinner Monday night that can be reheated on Tuesday night for quick and easy quesadillas.  Not only does planning out your meals take some stress off, but it can also ensure that you are eating nutritionally balanced meals.

5.  When all else fails, just dance.  Turn up the music.  Loud.  And dance around like a fool.  I promise you will smile, you will laugh, and heck you might even sweat a little. :)

Here is to us staying on track for our health, for our fitness and certainly for our New Year's goals this year!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from me to you.  ~ Joslin