Tips for Surviving the Holidays...

As the holidays are here and for many of us competitors and athletes it's a time to relax and begin an off-season of growth and development to begin conditioning for the next season. I know for some of us it also can be terrifyingly overwhelming to have the freedom to choose what to eat.

I have heard time and time again about the fear of freedom and I am definitely one that also deals with that fear. I have to say though, this is the first year I have come to terms with the holiday festivities and learning what the true meaning of balance and living is all about.

As many of us dedicated athletes and competitors we sacrifice a ton to progress in our passions. We give up holidays, family gatherings, delicious food and other activities in order to be successful in our goals. This is the time to enjoy. I have said it time and time again but we have one life, we all deserve to have a passion and dream but we also cannot forget the people in our lives who have helped make it all possible. Today and for the next month (at least) should be a time to find balance and accommodation to be able to spend the moments with family and enjoying the balance of food and festivities. It is possible to go through the holidays without gaining weight, it is possible to enjoy yourself without full out bingeing.

Make it a point this Holiday season to give back the time you sacrificed with your family. A few tips that I try to keep in mind:

- Keep your diet and food talk to a minimum, unless someone asks , keep to yourself about it.

- Have a normal breakfast and try to eat as normally as possible, utilize the main holiday meal as you would for a refeed day, personally I typically add in an additional 30g protein shake during the day and one pre refeed meal as well to ensure I am getting my protein in for the day.

- Remember one day of eating of your diet won't harm your body in the slightest, you may have a bit of weight gain the next day but it will normalize again within a few days.

- Stay hydrated. Keep your water intake the same or even higher throughout the day.

- If you can get a quick lift in or a half hour of cardio in that day, take advantage of it.

- Enjoy yourself and do not have the slightest bit of guilt enjoying your day. You deserve this.

- Remember the Stage will always be there, your family will not. Remain Greatful and Blessed.

- Remain Thankful and Blessed and have a Happy Thanksgiving!