With the crisp cool air all around, I can just feel the holidays coming. The Fall is always an exciting time with outdoor activities, football, Christmas, travel and a break from school. It’s also a time that our clients (and us as coaches) feel overwhelmed with the demands of fall activities, family commitments, stress and the temptation of all the unhealthy treats around. I have put together five tips to help you stay on track during the busy holiday season:

Healthy Tip #1

Bring a healthy dish. If you are invited to a cocktail party, dinner or get together, volunteer to bring a dish to share. Make a healthy dish that you feel good about eating. Here are a few ideas of healthy dishes to share:

• Blueberry Crisp
• Chicken Satay Skewers
• “No-cook” Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip with Apples
  • There’s no recipe simpler than this one. Mix equal parts Greek vanilla yogurt with peanut butter. Stir and serve with apple slices.

If you bring a dish then you are certain that there will be a healthy option on the table instead of being faced with lots of dips, crackers and breads that are simply empty calories.

Healthy Tip #2

Be snobby about your sweets. That’s right! Don’t settle for a pre-packaged cookie just because it’s on the plate. If the delectable holiday sweets speak to you this season, then you should definitely enjoy one. It’s not about deprivation but about indulging in what you truly enjoy. If the party doesn’t have your favorite holiday sweet, then just pass all together. You’ll pass on the caloric “so-so” cookie but you can indulge in the sweet treat  that you’ve been waiting all year for – like your aunt’s famous apple pie.

Healthy Tip #3

Don’t skip the workout. You knew this one would pop up. Just because you’re on the road or away from your normal gym, make sure you are active at least 3-5 times per week. This helps manage holiday weight gain. Also some studies indicate that those who work out regularly make better food choices when faced with lots of options. A workout before your holiday party will help you make wise choices at the get together. If you need some workouts to take on the road, check out 4 Anywhere Workouts.

Healthy Tip #4

Set a goal for your family or for yourself. Use wearable fitness devices like the MYZONE technology and set a goal for November and December. If you are using the MYZONE system, set a goal to earn 1500 MEPs in a month. Should you meet your goal, treat yourself with a massage or something that rewards you for staying on track. Bring your spouse or family on board. If the whole family is participating for MEP’s or steps per month, the one with the fewest points, has to cook and clean up dinner for the whole family. There’s no reason fitness can’t be fun during the busy holiday season.

Healthy Tip #5

Consider trying Intermittent Fasting. If you are new to the term intermittent fasting, check out this most before trying it. But “fasting” for the first part of the day to give yourself an “eating or feasting” window will help you maintain a calorie balance throughout the fall. Lane and I participate in intermittent fasting 3-5 days per week.