Thanksgiving has come and gone.  Get back on track and don’t wait until the new year to stay healthy.

As we continue celebrating the holiday season with family, friends and lots of shopping, there is another activity that we look forward to participating in during this season:  eating delicious food.  And lots of it.  From family get togethers to work related festivities, there are plenty of opportunities to indulge in decadent, high calorie foods more than usual during this time of the year.

Many people enter this festive season with plans to consume and enjoy any food not nailed down.  For others, it can be met with trepidation – particularly if health and fitness is top of mind or if you have particular dietary goals and requirements that you need to stick to.  With that said, there is no need to approach the holidays with fear or apprehension when you have a plan.  Continue reading for 9 tips to help you stay fit and healthy through holiday.

Plan Ahead.  Meal prep ahead of time and/or keep healthy snacks with you to munch on when you feel hungry.  This is especially true in the workplace where there will most likely be all kinds of treats like cookies, cakes and candies.   While you don’t have to avoid these kinds of foods all together, be sure to include snacks that are nutrient dense to keep you fuller throughout the day.

Eat A Good Breakfast.  Eating a good breakfast will set the tone for the day by fueling your body with the nutrients it needs to power through the first part of your day.  In addition, a nutrient dense breakfast keeps you fuller longer and when you partner that with your meal prep, you have a better chance of staying focused and not fall into the temptation of over-indulging and binge eating.

Drink A Lot Of Water/Stay Hydrated.  We all know about the multitude of benefits to staying hydrated such as glowing skin, better regularity, and increased energy.  In addition, drinking a glass of water before a meal to help you feel fuller, thus reducing the desire to overeat.  Keep this in mind when you head out for holiday festivities.

Work Out In The Morning.  Getting a good workout in the morning can not only make you feel energized but it can also help set tone for therest of the day for better food behaviors throughout the day.  You also won’t have to worry about working out when you get home later in the day.

Eat Before You Party.  Eating something lightweight before you arrive at a party can help you focus and not over-indulge as you approach the table of holiday cheer.

Sign Up For Paid Classes With Expiration Dates.  Since you don’t like waisting money and you really do want to stay on track with your fitness routine, choose some classes that will expire soon so that you will make it a point to get to class.

You Can Always Work Out.  If working out in public is not your thing, take 10-15 minutes to get moving and create that mind/body connection.  You can do some body weight, plyometrics, or kettle bell swings.  Whatever you choose, remember that some time is better than no time.  For the more ambitious, sign up for a marathon or obstacle course with a few loved ones to get your fitness and bonding on at the same time.

Indulge For The Day Not The Season.  Take some of the pressure off by allowing yourself to go all out and eat what you want on certain days like Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve and stick to your regular eating plan all of the other days in between.

Get Enough Rest.  Getting enough rest can ensure you restore your mind, body and spirit during this hectic time of the year. It can also help guard against getting sick during these colder months of the year.

This list includes just some of the things you can do to stay fit and healthy during the holiday season.  Get creative and come of with ideas that you and your loved ones can incorporate into this season and your lifestyle in general.  Above all else, remember to be thankful, have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously.