Do you like how I through a run pun into my title?!

It’s always tough to find balance during the holiday season. I want to indulge, relax, and enjoy the time with friends and family. On the flip side, I want to stay in shape and avoid holiday weight gain.

Here are some tips to help with both!

1.  When you have a chance to eat healthy, do it! My husband and I both come from southern families. That means good southern cooking…definitely not the healthiest.  So, I try to make good choices on the days leading up to their meals.

2.  Allow yourself to indulge!  I don’t know about you, but as soon as I tell myself that I can’t have a food, I immediately start to crave that food. The holidays are a special time of year and I want to enjoy them. If I want a treat, I’ll have one. Just don’t overindulge.  Everything in moderation.

3.  Limit your alcohol consumption. I know that doesn’t sound like fun, but just remember…everything in moderation. Not only does alcohol add more calories, but it decreases your judgement and that’s when I make really bad food choices (hello Taco Bell drive-thru!).

4.  Be picky! I’m guilty of going down the buffet and putting a spoonful of everything on my plate, even if I don’t love it. Why eat the extra calories if you don’t love the food? At the risk of offending a family member or friend, only eat the foods that you really enjoy.

5.  When you’re at a dinner or party, don’t sit next to the food.  I find myself reaching for seconds and thirds even if I’m not really hungry, because it’s right in front of me.  Studies show that we eat less when we leave the food in the kitchen and eat in the dining room.

6.  Snack before you go to a party.  This allows me to choose a healthy snack food.  If I arrive starving, I end up making terrible choices.

7.  Start the day off right!  I make morning workouts a priority especially during the holidays. It’s so easy to get too busy and skip a run if you’re waiting until the evening. Just schedule it for first thing and then you can relax and enjoy the day!

8.  Speaking of starting the day off right, I like to drink a Glowing Green Smoothie in the morning. It insures that I get lots of healthy fruits and veggies, fills me up, and gives me energy for the day.

9.  Remain positive!  The holidays can get stressful. Make sure to pause and enjoy your friends and family. If you overindulge, don’t beat yourself up. Just get up the next morning, go for a run or take a workout class, and get back on track!

Do you have any tips to stay on track during the holidays? 

Do you stick to your normal run schedule or do you take a break?

What’s your favorite holiday indulgence?  My favorites are sweet potato casserole and my Gran’s homemade cookies!!

Are you travelling for Thanksgiving?  Where to?  We’ll be spending Thanksgiving in Kentucky with my husband’s family:)

#choosejoy