Strategies to Survive the Holidays

1. Be realistic. Don't expect to do your normal workouts and eat normally. You probably won't have time, and the temptation will be greater than usual.

2. View family behavior for what it is. If your grandmother wants you to eat three pieces of pie, it's because she loves you, not because she wants you to be fat. If uncle John wants you to drink another beer, it's probably because he wants somebody else to be drunk with (apologies to all Johns out there, I don't mean you), and not because he wants you to fail.

3. Take the opportunities to be active. If somebody mentions going for a walk, on a hike, or doing something that will get you moving, be sure you're in on it.

4. Eat fewer meals. If you're used to eating 5 to 6 meals a day, but your Thanksgiving meal is going to equal about three, don't snack before and after.

5. Don't worry about it. One or two days isn't going to kill you. In fact, most of the extra food will get flushed away, if you catch my drift.

6. Schedule workouts before and after your trip, especially after. Don't let a couple days off turn into a week. Know exactly when you'll be back at it and what you'll be doing. If you get lazy, remind yourself how important it is to get back on track.