We’re nearing the time of year where staying on track with fitness goals is often difficult. Between family gatherings, holiday parties, and delicious holiday treats, it is often easy to sway away from our fitness goals. This year I’ll be facing extra temptation to steer off track. We’ll be in Illinois for almost a week in order to spend Thanksgiving with my family. Then for five days before Christmas we’ll be in Disney World with Preston’s family, followed by Christmas celebrations with them in New Jersey. Although I’ll be in training for Shamrock during the holidays, I want to do everything I can to ensure that I can stay on track and focused with all of my fitness goals.
So what do I plan to do, and what can you do to stay on track during the holidays?
1. Carry a water bottle with me.
If I have a water bottle with you, then I’ll be more likely to drink water than to splurge on a sugary drink, many of which are filled with empty calories. Plus, the more water that I drink, the more full I’ll feel and the less tempted I’ll feel when I see all of those tasty holiday treats.
2. Keep healthy snacks within reach.
I’m going to try to be extra diligent about carrying granola bars, KIND bars, and other healthy snacks with me. They’re so easy to throw into my purse, or keep in my desk at work, to help curb my appetite when I’m hungry.
3. Treat myself to one or two treats, but not overindulge.
I don’t want to torture myself by swearing off treats altogether, and limiting myself to a treat here and there will allow me to partake in the festivities without completely ruining my diet.
4. Don’t be hard on myself if I don’t complete all of my planned training.
While in Illinois it’ll be fairly easy to keep on top of my training. Between running a Turkey Trot the morning of Thanksgiving and having easy access to the gym since we can get travel passes from our gym here for a gym near my parents’ house, I’ll be easily able to keep up with my fitness routine. I’ll likely plan for our travel days to be my rest days. It won’t be as easy for me to keep up with my training over Christmas though, especially if the weather isn’t in my favor. I’m already planning to take a training break while we’re at Disney World (I may try to run once or twice early in the morning on the hotel treadmill), otherwise, I’ll be logging my miles by walking around the parks. While in New Jersey, we won’t have access to the gym, so I’ll be crossing my fingers that the weather cooperates and that I can train outside. But if I don’t get all of my miles in, I can’t be too hard on myself, otherwise, it could push my progress the other direction.
5. Keep myself accountable by using a support system.
By having a support system, it’ll be easier to stay on track and keep myself motivated. I’ve signed up for the Holiday Sweat Challenge, which kicks off November 24th. I’m looking forward to using the challenge as a way to help keep me motivated to stay focused on making healthy decisions during the holidays, especially around Christmas when we’ll be away from home and out of our normal routine for more than a week.
QOTD: How will you keep yourself on track during the holidays?
As always, thank you to the DC Trifecta Bloggers (Courtney from Eat Pray Run DC, Mar from Mar on the Run, and Cynthia from You Signed Up For What?!) for hosting the weekly Friday Five Link Up. Be sure to check out their posts as well!
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I joined the Holiday Sweat Challenge too! So excited 🙂 I think it will be a lot of fun 🙂
Me too! Can’t wait for it to start!
I hadn’t thought about the water bottle idea, great tip! I’m with you on always having a healthy snack near by to help and allowing 1 or 2 indulgences.
1 or 2 are okay…its when it gets to be more that its a problem.
Great tips Kathryn! I love the one about carrying the water bottle around with you! I drink enough water already but I love to snack. So water may help me curb that!
It’ll definitely help you in feeling more full.
I’m getting back into a running routine post-injury just in time for the holidays. Plus any desserts I make aren’t staying in my home.
Good rule!
I like the water bottle idea…I’m normally pretty good with drinking water but never thought of it as a way to keep away from overindulging during the holidays.
I’m doing the Holiday Sweat Challenge too–I’ve done it the past two years and it’s a GREAT way to stay on track and motivated!
Can’t wait for the challenge to start!
The hard part will be sticking with one or two treats while there is usually a whole spread to enjoy.
Absolutely! Self control is so difficult!
You have just reminded me to refill my purse with some healthy snacks. That always helps when I am running errands too!
Glad I could help! 🙂
walking around disney definitely counts as a workout! you could even do some sprints from line to line to switch it up a bit 🙂
Very true!
Great tips – I should make sure I have healthy snacks in all my bags/purposes. Have a great time in C-Ville this weekend!
Thanks, we had a blast!
YES!! carry a water bottle. I actually almost added buy a cute new water bottle to my list. Such a great idea. I’m going to start training for Shamrock in January.
The cuter it is, the more likely you’ll carry it around, right?
Staying hydrated with water is so important, especially since it will help to curb cravings. I’m a big advocate for drinking lots of water. My hubby can tell anyone that. I harp on him constantly. lol
It definitely helps with cravings!
It’s so hard to stay on track at the holidays for me because the kids are out of school….BUT it’s motivation to get to the gym with child care so I can get a break 🙂
What a great motivation! 🙂
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