It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas … There’ll be parties for hosting, marshmallows for toasting, and … skipping out on the gym.

There’s no doubt your waistline takes a hit during the Christmas season.  I’m sure you’ve even heard the joke to set your scale back 15 pounds.  But, the “Holiday 15” doesn’t have to get you. In many ways you can’t control your environment—parties, baked goods, special gifts.  No matter how hard you try there is no way during this time to stay 100% committed to your health and nutrition plan.  In fact, depriving yourself of the best of the holidays many times is just the recipe for failure.

What is the answer?  The answer is to make the most of the holidays.  Don’t go crazy!  But don’t deprive yourself either.  Here are a few simple thoughts to keep you in check. First, January is coming.  Life will go back to normal and with a little motivation and determination you can work those extra pounds right off.  Second, try to do some exercise every day.  It doesn’t have to be your full exercise routine at the gym.  It can be as simple as walking the dog for 20 minutes each morning.  Just keep moving! Third, have a plan.  Set up a specific plan for exercise and try to keep a routine.  Plan healthy meals during the down time. If you’re headed to a dinner party then intentionally choose healthy foods for other meals.  Finally, don’t be too hard on yourself.  Remember this is only a “season.”  If you do start to beat yourself up then refer back to #1- January is coming.

Loggerhead Fitness is here for you during this holiday season.  Don’t wait for January!  December offers Group X classes too.  Check out our holiday schedule and find time to squeeze in a few classes.