The holidays are coming up fast and with them the inevitable parade of holiday parties, prodigious amounts of rich and fat laden foods, free flowing alcohol, time-crunched schedules and heightened stress. It’s a perfect storm that can completely derail your fitness regimen and deliver you a very unwelcome holiday present—5-10 extra pounds come New Years Day. Here are a few tips to help you combat the holiday bulge.

• Stay consistent. A crowded holiday schedule and extra stress might keep you from getting out on the road or into the gym for a full hour, so be realistic and aim to exercise 30 minutes a day 5 days a week.
• At holiday parties avoid liquor as it’s typically higher in sugars than beer or wine. And try to alternate between water and alcohol.
• Do not overload your plate at holiday parties or family get togethers. Do you really need to take down 2 pounds of turkey and gravy? Also, fight the urge to make another pass at the buffet.
• Convince a friend to keep committed to fitness over the holidays and workout together daily.
• Make regular use of the Calorie Tracker and BMI tools available in the online MapMyRun Training Log.

What are your holiday tips? Please comment and share!