With all of the yummy food and sweet treats, it’s no wonder it’s easy to overeat during the holidays. There’s leftover Halloween candy and who can forget about the pumpkin pie, turkey and mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving.

This is the time of year when pants get a little snugger and bellies are a lot fuller. Keep reading to find out how to indulge, without the bulge!
 
Get Rid of Leftover Candy
It’s been a few weeks since Halloween, but I bet you’ve still got some leftover Kit Kats and Butterfingers in your goodie bag. Instead of eating it all, give it away. There will be plenty of sweets at Thanksgiving!
 
Portion Control
During the holidays, it’s easy to overload on everything. Mashed potatoes heap up, cookies are snagged by the handful and the candy bowls are brimming. Instead of grabbing super-sized servings, eat reasonable amounts of your faves (even dessert!). Check out our guide to portions.
 
Listen to your Bod
Getting in tune with your body can be one of the most helpful things to stay healthy. Your tummy will tell you when you’re full and what it needs. Craving a burger? Your bod might need protein, so nosh some beans or turkey. Do those sweet potatoes look especially delish? Your body might need carbs. You’ll always need veggies, so don’t skimp on the greens, girl. 
 
Work It Out
The holidays are usually the time when people slack off on their exercise routine. Holiday parties, decorating and baking can get in the way of your daily run and suddenly it’s January and you realize you haven’t seen your running shoes since October. It’s important for your health (and body) to keep working out. Break up your exercise if you can’t fit in a half hour on most days.
 
Remember, the holidays are a great time to spend with fam and friends, go to parties, and eat yummy foods. Don’t be afraid to indulge yourself in the sweet treats your grandma bakes and don’t kick yourself in the butt if you end up eating too much one night (it’s bound to happen). Just remember the next day is a new day and you can start your good habits all over again!

By: Liz Lebedda

 

I’m not exactly a morning person. In fact, getting outta bed is basically the toughest part of my day. I decided to do something about it.
 
For the past couple of days, I started my day with 10 minutes of sun salutations. They’re a series of energizing poses that’ll get your blood flowing, while still bringing a relaxing vibe to your a.m. You can find the series by checking out a yoga book from your library (I swear by OM Yoga: A Guide to Daily Practice, because it’s sooo easy to follow) or simply google “sun salutations” and see what pops up.
 
The result? I still haven’t given up my daily cup o’ joe, but I definitely feel more refreshed and on-point when I get to GL headquarters. It’s a fab new habit and I’m gonna keep it going through the holidays!
 
Blog it out… Do you ever exercise in the a.m.? Would you try yoga to wake up?

By: Katie Abbondanza 

 

Here’s the deal:
On Thanksgiving day set aside 30 minutes for exercise. It doesn’t have to be super-intense, but you should def break a sweat. When you get a sec, come over to G-Life on girlslife.com and leave a comment on the Thanksgiving post, sharing your workout with the other girls. On Friday morning, we’ll pick one chica at random and she’ll get hooked up with a Pulse Yoga Basic DVD!

So, are you gonna participate? Blog it out!

 

 
Don’t skip breakfast or lunch.
It’s tempting to eat a tiny breakfast on Turkey Day, knowing you’re gonna fill up later. Truth is, eating before the big feast means you’re less likely to be totally ravenous at dinner. Then, you’ll be able to nosh on your favorite seasonal foods, instead of filling up on cheese and appetizers. 
 
Do take it slow.
Try putting the brakes on your bites, instead of shoveling food into your mouth. Eating slower means you savor what you’re eating, and makes you more able to recognize when you’re full. Instead of focusing solely on the grub in front of you, take sometime to enjoy the people and the happiness of the holiday.
 
Don’t nosh the crunchy stuff.
The skin is the most fatty parts of the bird, and offers almost zero nutritional benefits. White turkey meat, on the other hand, is a great source of lean protein.
 
Do get some exercise.
Who wants to move around after such a big meal? Instead, try to work out before you head to the feast. Try some power yoga or a kickboxing DVD. Or, get the family involved and go for a hike. You’ll get an instant uplift and feel energized all day!

Don’t miss out on dessert.
Hey, Thanksgiving only happens once a year—don’t deprive yourself of a fave dessert. Have a small slice of a pie you heart, or a couple of your Aunt’s famous pumpkin cookies. Part of eating healthy is learning moderation!

By: Olivia Arrington