JWOWW - Jenni Farley

I’ve already heard these two comments in the past week: “I just can’t stay in shape around the holidays” and “I can never find time to work out during the holidays.”I hear them every year around this time and most of you reading this have probably said something along these lines at some point. Now, I understand it is a crazy time of year and that can throw a wrench in your exercise program and diet. However, a few adjustments can keep you on track. Before accepting the fact that you always gain weight over the holidays, follow these three tips to achieving a healthier holiday season.

Is it an obstacle or an excuse?This is probably the most important step. Every choice you make will start here. The reality is that most people use the holidays as an excuse to stray from their workouts or diet. They claim they just don’t have enough time or that it’s impossible to eat healthy. Constantly ask yourself this question, “Will I overcome this obstacle, or use it as a excuse?”

The next two steps will help you overcome the common obstacles the holidays bring, but it’s up to you to decide whether you choose to overcome it or use it as an excuse.

Find the time, don’t worry about the place. With the exception of Christmas day, what day can you really not set aside 30 minutes to an hour? The key here is to plan ahead and hold yourself accountable. Just because you can’t make it to the gym at your usual time does not mean that you can’t make it at all. You may miss your usual training session, but that shouldn’t stop you from getting in a quick workout at home or getting to the gym at a different time. You can still get a great workout using one simple machine anywhere you want: your own body.

You don’t HAVE TO eat everything served. When people say they can’t eat healthy over the holidays, it is a flat out excuse. The problem lies in the fact that you are being presented with more unhealthy options than usual. You choose what you eat or don’t eat. Just because Uncle Al is going back for his third slice of pie doesn’t mean you have to. Before you blame the holidays for your eating habits, just ask “Do I really have to eat this, or do I just want to?”

One way to help you make some better choices is to think ahead. Before you go to the in-laws for Christmas dinner or to a holiday party, eat something healthy on your own. Then drink a full bottle of water. By the time you get in front of the unhealthy food, you’ll be pretty full. This makes your choices a lot easier and cuts down the amount of “grazing” and “picking” you might usually do.

So, before you accept the fact that you always get out of shape over the holidays, look at the real source of your problem. You! You make the choices. Will you use this season as an excuse or hurdle over the obstacle?

Staying focused is crucial to a great fitness routine, but Ab Cuts is what helps me stay on track too!

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Brian Blue is the co-owner of All Star Sports Academy in Toms River, NJ. He has been a personal trainer and strength and conditioning coach for seven years. He has worked with a variety of clientele, including youth athletes, adults, college athletes, and professional athletes, and he is currently the conditioning coach for UFC Lightweight Champion Frankie Edgar and Rutgers Wrestling.