Hello fitness friends. As the holiday season comes to a close, I’m sure there are at least a few of you thinking, “I ate too much and gained too much this season!” Well, this post is for you!

I admit it’s challenging to not indulge in the cookies, pies, or carb loaded sides. It’s all fun and games until that muffin top becomes a pound cake or those delicious pies bring you thunder thighs!

If you ate poorly this season, know life’s a journey…not a destination. I hate “dieting.” It’s like a swear word. I do like healthy eating. I feel better and look better.

Step 1. Stop beating yourself up! Yep! Make a decision to change today. Examine what went wrong and move forward.

Ex. People kept giving me cookies and treats this season. At first I felt obligated to eat them. Then I started giving them away. Eat one, share the rest. Even now, I’m giving treats away or throwing them in the garbage. Sugar and white bread will add weight quickly. Recall stable blood sugar leads to fat loss.

2. Get moving! Sitting on our bums leads to weight gain. If we eat more than we burn, we gain. It’s a simple mass balance. And if you can, do some resistance training. Muscle burns more calories than fat.

3. Throw out the junk food! If it’s tempting you or you’re binge eating, get it out of the house.

4. Join an online group or find an accountability person. If someone is monitoring you, you’re less likely to stay in a rut. Start your own Biggest Loser contest with friends, coworkers, or family.

5. Trade high glycemic foods for low glycemic foods. You’ll see your percentage of fat drop quickly.

6. Water! Green Tea! Drink them. Stay hydrated and green tea is great for fat loss.

7. Fiber y’all! Get some. Fiber makes you feel fuller. So you’re less likely to overeat. I take glucommanan. I also eat beans, sub kale and spinach for lettuce, and eat fiber cereal. If you’re concerned about stomach upset, test out natural sources of fiber instead of supplements at first. Talk to your doctor before taking any.

8. Prep meals at home. Less sodium, fat, and sugar is in the food you make at home vs. what you get at a restaurant. You can monitor it too! Many restaurant veggies are overlooked and loaded with oil or butter and salt.

9. Take it one day at a time! It’s a lifestyle change, not a diet. What can you do for life, not just to drop 10-15 pounds?

10. Encourage yourself! You can do this!!! I am cheering for you.