We’re in the thick of it now. The 2016 holiday season has officially begun.

This is supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year. However, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when we’re bombarded with end-of-year deadlines and all those extra items on our already endless to-do lists. Throw in the shorter days, colder temperatures and more than a few extra calories courtesy of all those holiday get-togethers and it can be tempting to say “Well, the rest of the year is a wash. I’ll just start my healthy habits again in January.” On this Motivation Monday, I’m here with a few simple words of encouragement: you’re better than that.

Is this the time of year for enjoying seasonal favorites like Christmas cookies, holiday-themed cocktails and a smorgasbord of decadent appetizers?Absolutely! Does that mean every day from now until January 1st needs to be a free-for-all? Absolutely not! A little planning and a few tricks can help you stay on track. Here are my top tips to get you through the season ahead:

1. Do NOT skip meals! I admit I used to do this a lot in my “younger” days. If I had a party to go to after work, I’d skimp all day and save up for the big event. This never worked out well, as I always arrived super hungry and filled up on the first high-calorie items I could get my hands on. A better plan? Eat breakfast and small meals every few hours throughout the day so you keep your blood sugar levels steady and you don’t feel the need to attack the buffet.
2. Get Sneaky About Exercise: Now’s the time to park the car a little farther away from the entrance to the office or mall and/or take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator. If your schedule forces you to switch things up, taking a brief and brisk walk in the morning is better than getting no activity at all – especially if you have to skip your favorite group exercise class to make it to a social event right after a long day at work.
3. Stock Up on Healthy Seasonal Favorites: ‘Tis the season to enjoy portable, sensible snacks including apples, pears and grapes. When you have time to make a meal, broccoli, butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are all in season and ready to enjoy.

Remember, while it’s okay to indulge and enjoy what’s left of 2016, a few simple steps can keep you from completely throwing in the towel on your plans to have fun, be fit and feel fabulous!