A recipe for staying healthy and fit this holiday season

The holidays are upon us, and soon the season of overindulgence, family time, and cold weather will drag us away from the fitness routines we have worked so hard to develop. January will arrive. We will step on the scale, gasp in shock, and then rush out to set unrealistic fitness goals we will inevitably abandon by February. How can we fight back against the holiday fitness slump? We suggest following this classic fitness recipe:

1 dash of realism: Recognize that the holidays are busy, and finding the time to make working out a priority will be difficult. Accept that, and then push past it.

2 cups daily of active living: So you don’t have time to get to the gym, when you’re busy trampling down others to find the perfect Christmas gifts? Well, then incorporate activity in your life. Take the stairs, avoid a cart, and use a basket for carrying all those heavy gifts. Make your shopping your workout.

12 quarts of including family: Instead of sitting down to enjoy a family movie, or a board game, get your family up and moving. The holidays are a great time to get outside, play sports, go skating, and all sorts of family activities that get you moving, and will lead to more happy memories.

3 cups of daily restraint: Holiday treats are everywhere, and it’s hard to avoid them. Instead of over baking, bake only what you intend to give away, and only set out a small portion of treats each day. Include healthy options such as fruit or veggies to combat all the sugary goodness.

Now take all these ingredients, and blend them together. Add a top of holiday cheer, and enjoy the taste of a holiday season without the stress of forgetting your healthy living habits.