Tips for a Happy Healthy Holiday

The holidays can be a tough time to make healthy choices.  We are faced with delicious temptations, sweet treats, packed schedules, long to-do lists, and revolving visitors.

It can throw a person off.  So I've compiled a list of tips to enjoy a happy and healthy holiday season.

If you know you're going to attend a holiday party, a cookie swap, or a family dinner, plan for it in advance.  Eat clean the days leading up to the party so that you don't feel so guilty afterward.

Swap ingredients.  You can swap ingredients like greek yogurt for sour cream or neufchatel cheese for cream cheese and no one will ever know.  It's a lot less calories without missing out on flavor.

Eat first!  Before you go to a party, eat a healthy snack.  It will keep you from binging on all the goodies and treats while you're there.

Drink your water.  Staying hydrated prevents you from overeating, feeling run down, and eases bloat.

Fix a plate and walk away from the buffet.  The longer you stand and graze, the more food you consume.  It's hard to recognize you are full when you continuously snack.

Park at the back of the lot.  Take the stairs.  Walk up the escalator.  Keep moving. 

Play with the kids (or dogs) outside.  Walking through the snow, building a snowman, or having a snowball fight all count as great cardio workouts.  Be the cool aunt/uncle/person and feel good about yourself at the same time. 

Keep working out.  Just because family is in town doesn't mean you get a free pass from the gym.  If getting to the gym while family is in town is out of the question, look up workouts on Pinterest, take a walk around the block, or use a workout DVD.  

Create a support group.  Meet up at the mall with your girlfriends to speedwalk/shop.  Hold yourself accountable for maintaining healthy habits.  If you can make it through this time of the year, you can make it anywhere!  If you struggle with this, join my Happy Healthy Holiday challenge group; I assure you it will keep you motivated and inspired.