Tis' the Season to Stay on Track

It’s that time of year again. The hustle and bustle of holiday season is here; full of family, friends, long lines, company parties and not to mention those irresistible holiday treats everywhere you turn. With all that is coming up in the next few months, some of you are probably wondering how you’re going to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine while juggling your increasingly hectic schedule. Don’t worry!  With the right attitude and a little planning, staying on track will be a breeze.

• Set a realistic goal for the holiday season: aim to maintain your weight rather than lose weight.


• Focus on the conversation and the company rather than the food.


• Skip the high-fat foods you can get any time (e.g., nuts, cheese, chips) so you can enjoy a small amount of the truly special foods that are only available once a year.


• Put some distance between yourself and the food table. Carry a glass of sparkling water.


• Eat a snack or light meal before you go, that way you aren’t heading straight to the buffet table.


• Limit your alcohol intake. Eat before you drink.


• When hosting a party, plan an activity (e.g. touch football game, walk around neighborhood to view holiday lights) before or after the meal.


• If you eat more than you planned, keep it in perspective. If you get right back on track at your next meal, you haven’t done much damage. If you wait until Monday to start over, the extra calories may add up to a few pounds.

The goal is simple– to maintain your momentum through the holiday season in order to make it to the New Year.  Remember, something is always better than nothing! 

Be sure to use the resources within this website to help keep you on track - workout routines for those in a crunch, healthy recipe alternatives (but still yummy) and even time management worksheets!