Tips to make it through the holidays

Here are eight healthy holiday tips to keep you fit during the holidays.

Focus

Focus on daily behavior rather than long-term results during the busy holiday season. Set small, daily goals that are attainable in the short-term.
Prioritize

Your good health will make dealing with the intensity of the time of year easier. Don't be afraid to make your fitness and nutrition a priority. If necessary, schedule your exercise and eating times as you would a doctor or business appointment.
Relax

Don't over-obsess about your fitness and nutrition during the holidays; if you miss a training session or a meal, get back on track with the next scheduled item and make a mental note to do better next time—but stressing over it won't help.
Rest

Lack of sleep is one of the leading factors of raised stress levels, which, in turn, can cause your body's metabolic rate to slow down. Aim for seven to eight hours a night, but if that's unattainable, a couple of 15-minute breaks during the day to sit quietly and breathe deeply will do wonders.
When it comes to food, celebrate—but with control. Taking these few simple steps will help make sure that your nutrition doesn't suffer.
Watch Out for Carbs

Steer clear of processed carbohydrates. Foods containing enriched flour (pasta, breads, cakes, cookies, crackers, etc.) and processed sugar are the big culprits here, and remember: almost everything in a package contains sugar and/or sodium as a preservative. Also, homemade baked goods can be packed with saturated fats and sugars, so sample if you must, but know when to say no.
Snack Often

Go ahead and snack. Keep plenty of easy, healthy snacks at hand: almonds, apples, low-fat string cheese, whole-grain crackers, or a quality protein powder are easy to pack and keep stocked in strategic places such as your car, briefcase, gym bag, diaper bag, etc. Having good snacks readily available to nosh on every few hours will help keep you from reaching for holiday goodies that haunt your every step.
Have a Treat

Sugar-free Popsicles, sugar-free jello, sugar-free hot chocolate, diet sodas, tea sweetened with Splenda, Crystal Lite, are all good for curbing a sweet tooth, but remember, too much artificial sweetener is not conducive to good health, so practice moderation. Another alternative is extra-dark chocolate, but don't get carried away—square or two is plenty.
Hydration Equals Energy

Hydration will not only keep your system flushed but will keep your energy levels on high. Drink at least eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day, and avoid rich, sugary drinks like eggnog, cider, frothy seasonal coffee drinks and, of course, alcohol.