Staying Fit over the the Holidays

Once mid-December hits, the typical mindset regarding fitness is "once the New Year's hits..."
Unfortunately, it's easy to be saddled with another three to five pounds to lose by that point, due to inactivity during this period, coupled with an "Oh well, it's the holidays!" mind-set. You can limit the damage and still enjoy yourself. Here are some tips
 *Remember to drink your water. Try for half-an-ounce per body weight, every day. It will keep you hydrated, especially when salty foods and alcohol abound. It flushes out toxins from you body, and gives you a sense of fullness, that can prevent over-eating at parties or family dinners.
 *Keep up the exercise! As busy as the Holidays are, there usually is more time off from work, which gives you at least a 45-minute window to get some cardio in, or a circuit-style strength workout. Think 150 minutes a week of exercise, and divide it among  seven days - that's a little over 20 minutes a day. Who doesn't have that?
 *Limit the alcohol. Besides the empty calories and high sugar content, alcohol lowers inhibitions. We've all made bad choices because of it, in various areas of life. Concerning diet, a sober mind picks a banana and peanut butter as a healthy, filling snack. A "buzzed" mind? definitely the rest of that apple pie!
   *Try to limit stress. Easier said, than done, I know! However, when feeling stressed, bad food choices are usually an accompaniment. "I deserve the rest of that apple pie, after what I just put up with!" Get your shopping done early, and try to avoid negative people at the office party or family gathering.
  *Do something you enjoy, exercise-wise. A half-marathon or "Tough Mudder" may be down the road next Spring, but the Holidays aren't the time to obsess over your 12-week training program. Jump on the elliptical if you just want to burn some calories, or do a New Year's Day 5-K with a friend, just as a fun, social workout. Everyone will be back down to business in early January, including yourself. Enjoy the Holidays, but don't let the last three weeks of 2016 ruin all the gains you've made through it, so far!