Welcome our guest blogger, Amy Goodson, MS, RD, CSSD, LD 

The holiday season is often synonymous with festive feasts, indulgent treats, and a general break from our regular routines. While it’s perfectly acceptable to enjoy the festivities, it’s also essential to stay committed to your fitness goals. Maintaining a workout routine during the holidays can help you stay healthy and energized, both mentally and physically. Here are five ways to keep up your workout routine during this joyful time of year:

1. Prioritize Your Schedule: The holiday season can be hectic, with parties, family gatherings, and shopping sprees. To ensure you don’t skip your workouts, prioritize your schedule. Dedicate specific times for exercise, just as you would for other commitments. This way, you’re more likely to stick to your routine and not let the festivities completely overshadow your fitness goals.
2. Embrace Quick Workouts: When your days are packed with holiday preparations, long workouts might not be feasible. Instead, opt for shorter, high-intensity workouts that can be completed in 20-30 minutes. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is a great choice since it delivers effective results in a short amount of time.
3. Get Creative with Family and Friends: Incorporate fitness into your holiday gatherings by engaging your family and friends. Organize group activities like a friendly game of touch football, a hike, or a winter walk in the park. These activities not only provide exercise but also create memorable moments with loved ones.
4. Plan Home Workouts: Traveling during the holidays can disrupt your gym routine. But don’t let that stop you from staying active. Plan home workouts that require minimal equipment. Bodyweight exercises, yoga, and resistance bands can help you maintain your strength and flexibility while away from your usual workout space.

5. Set Realistic Goals: Recognize that the holidays may bring extra temptations and schedule disruptions. Instead of aiming for significant progress during this time, focus on maintaining your current level of fitness. Setting realistic goals and being forgiving of occasional indulgences will help you stay motivated and reduce the stress associated with perfectionism.

 Keeping up your workout routine during the holidays is a commendable goal that can positively impact your physical and mental well-being. By prioritizing your schedule, embracing shorter workouts, involving friends and family, planning home workouts, and setting realistic goals, you can enjoy the holidays without feeling guilty about neglecting your fitness. Remember, a balanced approach is key to making the most of the holiday season while staying on track with your health and wellness goals.

Fins out about Tri-Now endurance Nutrition plans HERE.

Whip up these healthy smoothies for you and your sweetie this month!

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cooked small beets
• 1 cup blueberries or mixed berries frozen or fresh (if fresh, add 3-4 ice cubes)
• 2 tablespoon chia seeds
• 2 – 3 large handfuls of spinach
• ½ – 1 cup cold milk of choice ( we prefer almond, coconut or oat)

Optional: add a scoop of your favorite protein powder

INSTRUCTIONS

• Peel the cooked beets and cut it into small chunks
• Add the beet, berries, chia seeds, spinach, milk (and protein powder if using) to the blender or Vitamix. Blend for 1-2 minutes or until smooth. Add more water or milk choice to achieve desired consistency.