Death by Consumption

We long for it all year and talk about the most memorable ones we've ever had. Our taste buds can't wait for what's about to come. The drinks, the feasts, the desserts. It's one big meal after another and it's one of the highlights of the holidays.

Yesterday marked the beginning of Hanukkah and my best guess is that your Christmas festivities are starting in the next day or two. This means over indulgence and a mess of wide, happy and forced smiles. Oh, the holidays. Isn't it exciting?

This year instead of completely derailing your diet and exercise plans in just one fell swoop, do a little pre-feast planning. You don't have to wait until the New Year to start with those resolutions of watching your portion sizes, sticking to just one bottle glass of vino, and making time for your workouts. Do it now. You'll feel better after the holidays, not worse. I promise.

Now, by no means am I suggesting your forgo your favorite buttery side dish altogether, or skimp out on that pumpkin pie. Heck no. Just watch how much of it you eat, of course. Portion sizes. I mentioned it before. Go for it. Or better yet - my advice - kick your butt into gear beforehand so that you're not second guessing taking that piece of pie.

Before you start the day with family and friends, wake up with a little work out. Get your heart rate going. If you're really into it, hit up the gym anytime. If you have guests and can't sneak away for an hour, try this in the morning:

via Pinterest

I also highly recommend some A.M. yoga! Stretch out your muscles and steady your breathing right from the start. A few Sun Salutations are all it takes to tighten your core, build strength in your arms and legs, and center your balance and breathing.

There you have it. A few early morning calories burned before you do anything else. Ten minutes is all it takes to get you started out on the right foot. Throw in these sequences a few times a day when you get a break and you're laughing.

Prep yourself with good food leading up to your get-togethers too. A few days in advance, more carefully, watch what you're eating. Cut down on carbs because you know there will be a bread basket at your grandma's. Skip dessert one night because of course the pumpkin pie, pecan pie, and cheesecake will be much better on Christmas Eve at your mom's. Even the Latkes at your mother-in-laws will be better than that extra heap of mashed potatoes you scarf down tonight.

Snack well too. It will keep you from over eating now and during the days when you have that big meal at night. Drink lots of water. Let's be honest with each other ... You need to stay hydrated in the tough Winter months anyway. Why not add an extra glass a day in before you take your first helping of the Who Roast Beast?

Why feel like a big, fat mess after this weekend, only to feel like a bigger crap, mess after you drink one too many on New Year's Eve?! Why should we always start the new year out on a good foot when you could go into the new year being amazing already? Enjoy your holidays because you've worked for it, earned it, and totally deserve it.