The holidays are coming fast this year and regardless of if you have a family gathering or not, hopefully you are still celebrating!

Have you been here before? ->

It's Thanksgiving so you feel like you HAVE TO eat 3 servings and taste all of the pies.

Or - It's someones birthday and you HAVE TO eat the cake.

Or - You ordered food so you HAVE TO eat all of it.

NEWS FLASH:

You don't have to do that.

It is NOT rude to turn down cake or second helpings.

What you put into your body directly effects your health and there is a direct correlation between health and happiness!

I've complied a few tips to help keep you on track now and all year long. : )

1. Workout Early

   1. Wake up earlier and get it out of the way - no excuses! There is no better way to start your day than with MOVEMENT. Our body needs and craves it.

2. Eat before the party

   1. A small healthy meal, a protein shake, something to hold you over and keep you from over-doing it when you get there.

   2. OR bring a shake or healthy treat that you can have instead of what might be at the part

3. Drink lots of WATER

   1. Feel like snacking while waiting for the main course? Reach for water!

4. Listen to your body

   1. Be mindful of what your body needs. Listen to your hunger cues! Are you actually hungry? On a scale of 1-10 you should be at least a to be eating and you should eat to fullness.

   2. Eat SLOWLY. It takes time for you body to digest and realize when it has had enough!

5. Set boundaries

   1. We always talk about setting boundaries in relationships but we need to do this in so many areas of life! What we put in our body should be a priority. Think about what kind of boundaries you want when it comes to food.

   2. 1 plate rule - Serve yourself normal serving sizes and don't go back for more! (unless you're really hungry :) )

   3. Don't take anything home! If you're on a semi strict diet and don't want to mess it up, don't feel obligated to take anything home!

   4. Alcohol - Set yourself a limit. 1 drink? 2 drinks?