Most holidays are centered around get-togethers with family and friends. Most of which in our house, involve lots of eating of delicious foods and drinking delicious drinks! Even though our dishes are usually healthy and always fresh and seasonal, it’s easy to overdo it.

Anna’s 1st 4th of July (2010) 2 mo

Anna’s 2nd 4th of July (2011) 14 mo

The best way to feel great throughout a long holiday weekend is to be prepared and think ahead. Here are a few other tips!

1. Plan ahead for getting your workout in

Get up early, squeeze it in during your lunch break or pop in a workout DVD as soon as you get home. Do something active to feel better all weekend!

2. Don’t skip meals.

You might think that it makes sense to skip lunch to have more room for party food but if you go to a party starving, you are likely to make worse choices than if you have something light and healthy in your stomach to start. Splurge on eating special treats at the party not foods that are always available like a cheese + cracker tray.

3. Save calories on drink mixers

Use diet tonic, soda water and lots of ice. Skip drinks with tons of added sugar or high calorie mixers and opt for more simple choices.

4. Go to bed

An interesting study says “People who sleep less over time tend to be heavier,” says Lawrence Epstein, the chief medical officer of the Sleep Health Centers, in Brighton, Mass. But it doesn’t take long for the cycle to start. “If you pull one all-nighter or miss a few hours each night over a week, your body releases hormones that prompt eating and weight gain,” says Epstein. (fox news)

5. Relax and Have Fun

Before you know it, the weekend will be over and your friends and family will be heading home. Stay in the moment and enjoy it. Try not to stress about a skipped workout or a late bed-time for your kids. Have fun!

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