More Great Ways To Stay Healthy During The Holidays

4. Avoid sugary beverages

When you attend parties, be careful to avoid sugary drinks at any cost. These are not worth it. This includes sodas and coolers. You're better off with water and a glass of wine or bottle of beer. Increasing sugar intake is the quickest way to start gaining fat mass, especially when combined with stress.

5. Prepare a travel fitness program

To stay fit you'll need to exercise. No amount of healthy eating can replace some good old fashioned exercise! There are several scenarios you may find yourself in... you may be on vacation in a hotel, staying at a friends or with family, or travelling. In all of these situations, you should have a travel fitness program planned for yourself.

Take just 20 minutes in the morning or during a quiet moment to perform a brief full body workout. A good travel workout requires no equipment and just a small space. Include squats, lunges, push ups, burpees, sit ups, jump squats and more for your workout. Do 3 or 4 rounds before or after a long drive and you'll feel amazing- without having spent time at the gym!

6. Brown bag leftovers

Going out to eat? Don't worry about finishing your plate. You can always pack it to go! This is a good rule to follow anytime you go out to eat. Meal portions are too much for most people to finish, so when you receive your plate, expect to pack half of it for the next days lunch. This will help you save money and time with packing your meals to go as well!

7. Don't deprive yourself

One of the biggest messages going out to folks like yourself during the holidays is to avoid temptation. Unfortunately, when we finally give in, we feel guilty and sad. A cookie, a glass of wine, champagne or a slice of cake is not going to ruin you. Go ahead and eat something if you must, get it over with and don't feel guilty. Its also a good idea to actually enjoy the holiday season.

8. Eat beforehand

You'll likely have a few Christmas parties to attend, as usual. Its a good idea not to starve yourself before going. Arriving to a party very hungry usually ends badly. Eat as normal before you go to avoid overeating and feeling bloated or guilty afterwards.

9. Eat tummy-friendly foods

This is an idea which may help you in cases of overeating! Tummy-friendly foods are things like yogurt, which help to line the stomach and digestive tract. It soothes and coats it; so in case you do overeat, be sure that the feeling will pass soon enough, and you'll be back to normal in a jiff.

10. Prepare place-takers

Finally, be sure that you have a place-taker in mind. This is a technique for people who have a very hard time saying no to their temptation foods. If you're the type that won't stop once you start, come prepared with a place-taker for that food. Whenever you see it, grab your place-taker. For cookies, eat a carrot or celery stick. Place takers can be anything from a glass of water to almonds, nuts, veggies, etc.