Staying fit this season

The holidays are a wonderful time of year, but often the first thing we sacrifice is our health. We get busy with shopping, wrapping, parties and family gatherings but neglect to take care of ourselves. We give up exercise and forget to plan ahead for food. This year, challenge yourself to have a happy and healthy holiday season. The best gift to give yourself and others is making health a priority. The holidays are the most stressful time of year and the best way to handle stress is to exercise and eat right. Don't forget to take time for yourself and remember that getting enough sleep is important too. Here are some tips that will help you maneuver through the holidays:

• Focus on people, conversation and making memories, not just the food. Remember what the holidays are about. Often this time of year is one of the few times we get to spend with friends and family. Fill yourself with memories, not calories!

• Before you go out, plan ahead so you don't arrive hungry. Before you go, commit to make healthy food choices. When you approach the food table and see all the choices, step back and make a plan. Eat the correct amount of protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats but avoid large quantities of sugar and fatty foods.

• If you do indulge, moderation is key. Remember portion control will help you enjoy without consequences.

• Alcohol is wasted calories. Once again, moderation is key. Drink plenty of water throughout the entire day and continue during the party. You can avoid being dehydrated the next morning if you drink enough water the night before.

Of course, with all the hubbub of the season, exercise is the first thing to go from our busy schedule. We try to save ourselves time by not exercising when exercise is really the key to more energy and less stress. Simply walking along Park Avenue to see the holiday windows and lights will burn calories and help you relax. Try these tips to help your energy level and your mood:

• Schedule workouts as you would any important appointment. You can shorten them, but do not eliminate them altogether. Even 20 minutes a day will make a difference.

• When shopping, don't look for the closest parking space. You can make that part of your exercise for the day by walking briskly to the store and back.

• Instead of meeting friends for food or drinks, how about a workout or a walk together? You can enjoy each other during the holiday season and get fit at the same time.

Hopefully these tips will help you not just survive the holidays, but also thrive! Surrounding yourself with people who support and encourage you will make it easier achieve your goal to be healthy this holiday season. Also, consider gifts of health for those you care about. Gift cards for yoga classes, a gym membership or personal training sessions are a few ideas. The choices you make during this holiday season will affect your health in 2012. Make the decision now to make 2012 your healthiest year yet.

Grafton and Whitley are health coaches with Take Shape for Life. Visit www.justbelieve.tsfl.com and www.steffiwhit.tsfl.com