the holidays can tough... especially when you’ve got goals to crush. cookies, casseroles + cocktail parties ‘til the wee hours are more than enough to throw you off your game.

beat the holiday bulge this year as we arm you with 12 tips to not only survive the season, but thrive your way into the new year. the goal: enjoy the holidays (relatively) stress-free, indulge in yummy foods (in moderation), and ring in the new year (sans an extra 5lbs). ready? gear up, troops with these 12 drills to stay in tip-top shape. 

1 [rest-up] take advantage of time off and get 7-8 hours of shut-eye to boost metabolism and ward off weight gain – getting fewer zzz’s means you’re 30% more likely to pack on pounds.

2 [up + at ‘em] keep stress levels and your waistline in check by being active for at least 30-45m per day. #move30 in the morning to make sure you fit it into your busy day!

3 [rise + dine] eat breakfast to kickstart your metabolism, people! tip: go high-protein. research shows that egg-eaters consumer fewer calories the rest of the day than those who nosh on carbs first thing the in a.m.

4 [go small(er)] good things come in small packages, so let that be your mantra when choosing your dinner plate - you’ll automatically consume less when you opt for a smaller 8-9" plate. pile on veggies and protein first, and then enjoy those foods you only have once a year.

5 [seconds is for losers] look over all the food options and choose indulgences wisely. going back for seconds is just a holiday-habit that leads to tummy aches and tight pants!

6 [indulge wisely] don’t waste calories on boxed cookies or candies – choose a dessert that’s worth it! all of them look good? try a 2-bite sampler of two or three and savor the seasonal treats with a cup of coffee or tea.

7 [trick the chef] chew gum while cooking to avoid nibbling (many) calories while preparing food. testing for taste is one thing (tip: remove gum!), but eating half the cookie dough before it hits the oven is another story.

8 [rally the troops] go on a walk with your aunt betsy, invite cousin fred to the gym with you, or join the kiddos for a snowball fight. being active with family and friends is the best way to get movin’ and have quality time too!

9 [snack smart] snacking is good – but not when it’s a sugar-bomb of candy canes, confections + cookies. eat high-protein snacks like nuts, greek yogurt and fruit, or an apple with peanut butter 2-3 hours before a party or family dinner to avoid overeating at the buffet table. stash your snacks so you never go hungry during all those long hours of holiday shopping!

10 [party patrol] enjoy your fellow party guests rather than lingering by the food table. ladies, take a clutch-sized purse, and gents, carry your coat or cell phone. this leaves just one hand available for that champagne glass. free hands + buffet = holiday scarf-down.

11 [drink to excess...h20, that is] guzzle the good-stuff before each meal and you’ll consume 75-90 fewer calories! research shows that people who drink 2 cups of water before eating lost an average of 4.5 lbs more than those who don’t. not a water fan? infuse your h20 with fresh fruits + herbs and get your gulp on!

12 [be prepared] traveling for the holidays? pack your sneakers, a resistance band and jump rope, and you’ve got all you need for a total-body workout. go for a morning jog and do a quick circuit. if it’s too cold, hit the local gym or bring a workout DVD.

now, ten-hut you goal-getting soldiers you...get out there and spread holiday cheer!

love, 
your merry fitlosophy drill sergeants