Just because it’s the holidays doesn’t mean your fitness goals no longer matter. If you lose sight of your fat loss goals entirely this month, you’ll have a seriously rude awakening come January 1.

I have a better idea for you…let’s keep you focused on your fitness goals while making room for some fun this holiday season. This means that you’ll need to learn how to indulge with control. While that may sound like an oxymoron, it IS possible to let loose and enjoy without throwing away the results you’ve worked so hard for. Here’s how to stay fit this holiday season:

Holiday Fitness Tip #1: It’s All About Moderation

Don’t try to deprive yourself of all the foods you love. This is unrealistic. Instead, be smart about what you choose to eat. Enjoy your very favorite flavors of the season but in moderation. Trim calories where you can by only eating those rich foods that you really enjoy.

Also, be sure to limit the number of alcoholic beverages you drink. These drinks are typically filled with tons of sugary calories. Try alternating an alcoholic drink with a non-alcoholic drink like sparkling water.

Holiday Fitness Tip #2: Fiber is Your Friend

Here’s a simple tip that most people overlook when loading up their plates at holiday gatherings…fill up on fiber first. You see if you are eating a plate that’s mostly fibrous vegetables and greens, leaving only a moderate amount of room for dishes full of fats and carbs. Your net calorie intake for the meal will be dramatically lower than if you had eaten more of the carb and fat dishes.

While this tip is super effective during the holidays, it’s also a technique that you can carry with you throughout the rest of the year to stay lean while still indulging in what you love. The key is to eat less of the rich, fattening foods and more of the lower-calorie, high-fiber foods.

Holiday Fitness Tip #3: Exercise is a MUST

Many people let their workouts go to the wayside during the busy holiday weeks. However, I am here to tell you how important it is that you keep your workouts a priority. I know it’s harder to get into the gym when it’s cold outside and when you’re tired from getting ready for the holidays, but lacing up your shoes, sweating, and getting the endorphins flowing greatly impact your overall fitness.

Not only are you burning calories and stoking your metabolism, but by exercising every day you are keeping fitness at the forefront of your mind. It may sound like a small thing, but getting into the gym forces you to remember your fitness goals, and this small act will help you make better decisions throughout the rest of your day.

All of these small efforts add up, my friend, and you can do them all without sacrificing the season’s fun or flavors. You can do this!

We are passionate about seeing our clients achieve and maintain those results throughout the holiday season. Call a Personal Trainer at Gig Harbor or Fircrest Innovative Fitness today to get started on our best available program.