The holiday season is right around the corner and now is the time to prepare for a healthy holiday. Preparation is the key to avoiding unhealthy pitfalls during the holidays. Every year I hear and see the same pattern from many of our patients, I like to call it “the great disconnect.” This happens when you disconnect from all the healthy things that you have been doing so well all year long. The diet goes out the window, the exercise plan is nonexistent, and the word “health” is not in your vocabulary. This behavior might last for a few months. Here are a few tips to help you through the holidays.

1. Set your health and fitness goals for next year now.
It’s ok to have more than one goal, but be realistic. Start by thinking about your body weight, body fat, waist size, blood pressure, eating habits, etc.

2. Do something each day that will bring you closer to the fitness or the health goal you have set for yourself…
…whether it’s cutting the sugar out of your diet, doing 30 minutes of cardio, drinking more water, or improving on one of your fitness tests.

3. Prepare your workouts for the week.
Even if you are traveling, make time to exercise. There are plenty of workouts that you can do without a gym.

4. Keep a logbook .
Log your workouts, times, distances, body weight, body fat and percentage, etc.

5. Challenge yourself daily…
…whether it’s a better time in a workout or covering a longer distance running. This keeps things fresh and exciting.

6.Watch your diet.
Stay away from foods that cause your blood sugar to become elevated such as cakes, cookies, pies, doughnuts, etc.

7. Drink plenty of water.
Water keeps your body hydrated and your metabolism in high gear. A good gauge to determine your water demand is to take your body weight and divide it in half. This will give you the number of ounces to drink daily. If you weigh 150 pounds, 75 ounces would be a realistic goal.

8. Put the fork down.
This really is this best way to avoid the over indulgence of certain foods. It’s hard to avoid some foods during the holidays, especially the bad ones. Use moderation when you do go off your diet plan.

9. Share your plan with someone…
…either your spouse, family members, friend, or co-workers, being accountable to someone will help you achieve your goals faster.

10. Find a workout partner.
It’s always easier to stay on track when you have someone that you are accountable to on a daily basis. This will also be a great motivator for both of you. This is strongly recommended during the holidays.

Take the time now to set your New Year’s goals. You will enter next year prepared and be on your way to a healthier you.

Dr. Mickey Cohen is a Chiropractic Physician in Plantation, Florida. He serves patients all over our area including Plantation, Davie, Sunrise, Tamarac, Weston, Miramar, Lauderhill, and Ft. Lauderdale. He is in private practice at Nob Hill Family Chiropractic 1848 N. Nob Hill Road, Plantation, Florida 33322. He is currently the team chiropractor for many of our local and professional teams. Visit him at: nobhillchiropractic.com.