The holiday season is in full swing, so it’s no wonder your jeans might be feeling a little tight already. The lead up to Christmas is an exciting, joyful time – but it can be stressful and not so fun if you’re trying to lose weight.

Parties and temptations seem to be…everywhere!

beerNever fear.

It’s not too late to turn it all around and make a change before the new year. You can still enjoy this time of year without gaining weight.

It’s all about moderation – and this is the key to success. Just because you are trying to lose fat doesn’t mean you have to be boring, or miss out on the fun!

These strategic and extremely effective techniques will have you rocking into 2016 without the extra 5 pounds:

1. Reach for Protein

It is a fact. Protein keeps you feeling full for longer and therefore reduces your appetite. Try grilled meats, nuts, beans, eggs and low fat milk/yoghurt/cheese — yes they may be in disguise at a holiday party but they’ll be there!

2. Fill Up First

Going to a holiday party hungry is a recipe for disaster!! Any food looks delicious when you’re hungry. Problem is, it may not be EXACTLY what you’d like to use your splurge card on. Have a protein snack before the party to start the night off on the right foot.

3. Drink Up

Go easy on the beer/wine/vodka cocktails and stay hydrated with water or seltzer. AH so if the boring alarm is going off and the beverages are ‘accidently’ falling down your throat, steer clear from heavy starches like potatoes, bread, rice and pasta.

4. Go in with a Plan

If you know the party is going to be crazy, plan yourself accordingly. Having simple food limits in place you know you can manage will give you more control over the situation. For example, promise yourself ‘I won’t eat any fried food tonight’ or ‘I will only have one small serving from the buffet’.

5. Get Distracted

Instead of finding yourself loitering around the snacks table like a hungry wolf and being anti-social, mingle and chat with your mates to take your mind off the treats. It doesn’t hurt to say no either. Practice with me now, ready 1..2..3.. “No, thank you.” Only eat the foods you enjoy, not just the ones being offered to you.

6. Stop The All or Nothing Approach

If you have a rough day and you eat or drink yourself to death at the party – it’s not the end of the world (even though it feels like it). The sooner you pick yourself up and get over it, the better for you. Just because you slipped up doesn’t mean you completely failed this holiday season. Failure is when you quit altogether.

7. Maintain Your Fortress

During the holidays, keep your cupboards clear of the snacks that may tempt you to binge. Give away unhealthy food gifts you know you shouldn’t eat. Your home is your safe haven and you have the control. Enjoy the treats, just don’t bring them home with you.

8. Keep Up Your Training

Continue your awesome workout schedule and try to be as active as possible. My favorite program to do at this time of the year is Bodyweight Cardio 500. You don’t need any equipment and the workouts are quick and fun. Just 20 minutes. Remember, just because you are still training doesn’t give you a free pass to stuff yourself!

Get a head start on your 2016 goals by giving your body 5 pounds less to lose this January. Think about your awesome, consistent training this year – you don’t want to waste all your hard work on a month long holiday binge!

If you want accelerate your fat burning with ZERO equipment, then you can use this bodyweight formula.

And you will NOT need to train 7 days a week… or 6… or even 5 for that matter. Even better, each workout will only take 20 minutes or less.

==> Get Progressive Bodyweight Workouts that take 20 minutes or less 

Enjoy the season,

KV