So you’ve spent all semester working your butt off in the gym and eating right in the kitchen, yay you! Maybe you’ve even met some health goals along the way or maybe you’re still right on track to achieving them. Whatever the case may be, the last thing you want to happen is all of that progress to go to waste come the holidays. When I open up my fridge at school, I’m limited to almond milk, plain Greek non-fat yogurt, frozen chicken, fruit, and vegetables. When I open my fridge at home on the other hand, I’m tempted by pop, junk food, frozen pizzas, delicious carbs in every form, and more junk food. Not to mention the struggle of my mom wanting to bake Christmas cookies every night. And what about all those family dinners?! Leftovers for days! My fitness and I are definitely put to the test every holiday season but this year I have a positive mindset that I will not give in (for the most part)! Here are some tips to help you enjoy the holidays without increasing your waistline.

1. Drink. WATER

This sits at the top of the list any time of the year but especially on the holidays! Water has many benefits, one of them being weight control. While you're consuming a lot of calories on cookies that are supposed to be for Santa, don't waste them on pop and alcohol. Consume half of your body weight in ounces of water.

2. Make exercise a priority

You don't even have to spend more than 30 minutes in the gym, just make sure you get there. It's so easy to take one day off, and then the next, and then the next and before you know it the gym becomes a stranger. Get your butt moving one way or the other! Also, try to workout in the morning as soon as you wake up so that you can get it out of the way!

3. Don't Skip Meals

You might tell yourself "I am not going to eat all day, that I can splurge tonight!" Nope, bad idea and that is called binge eating which is also very bad. Just like any other day of the year, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Get your metabolism up and going. Your body will thank you later. This is also brings me to your next tip...

4. Portion Control

Don't trip about chowing down on those sugary desserts or your grandmas high calorie casserole. It's all about moderation though! A slice of pie is fine, five slices is another story.

Most importantly, remember to ENJOY this holiday season. If you pig out and have a bad day and "forget" to hit the gym, I don't blame you and it's whatever! Tomorrow is a new day! Stay warm, stay full, and stay fit!