Let me be the first fitness fanatic to admit this can be a tough time of year to stay motivated. When it gets dark as early as 5 pm, it’s easy to want to skip the workout, head straight to a warm home and fill up on comfort food and couch-potato time. So on this particular Motivation Monday, I offer some tips to keep your health and fitness goals on track during this colder, darker time of year.

• Mix things up: If you’re using every excuse in the book not to go to that 7 pm spin class, check your gym’s group exercise schedule for an alternative. Maybe it’s time to give the morning workout routine a try. If you have to drop the kids off at school, leave the house dressed in your workout wear and head straight to the gym after you say your goodbyes. This way you get your daily dose of exercise before the rest of the day interferes and while you still have sunlight to give you that natural boost of energy.
• Lean on Your Fitness Friends: Whether you want the extra motivation to stick with your evening workouts or need help adjusting to a new morning or lunchtime routine, a workout buddy can help keep you on track. Sometimes just knowing you have a friend holding a spot for you is just enough of a push to keep you from throwing in the towel.
• Beat the Nighttime Snack Monster: Darker, colder nights can save you some money if you decide to spend more time catching up with the DVR and less time at your favorite happy hour haunts. However, that extra couch time can lead to a steady surge of snack attacks. Before you give in to temptation, make sure you’re really hungry and not just bored. For the times you really do need a little something, be sure you have a good stockpile of healthier alternatives at home. Clementines, apples and frozen grapes can satisfy a sweet tooth and 94% fat-free popcorn is always a crowd pleaser. I’m also a big fan of Skinny Cow fudge bars. They’re the only low-fat dessert option that satisfies me after only one serving.

One final note, if you feel a little more sluggish and fatigued than usual these days, you’re not alone. The lack of sunlight and drop in temperatures can be a depressing mix for even the perkiest of people. Remember, no matter what the season, exercise is one of the best natural mood boosters and a surefire activity to keep you on track with your year-round efforts to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!