A huge key to nutrition and fitness is motivation. During this time of year it is so hard! You have a ton of holidays,family gatherings and friends getting together and who wants to be dieting or exercising? However, we all still want the results of feeling and looking great so I have a few suggestions that may keep you from gaining those 10 extra pounds from now until new years when you will say okay, now I will get serious. Why not look great through the holidays?

First of all I would suggest keeping your workouts indoors. Maybe before you could just hop on your bike, go for a hike, go for a jog or even a walk and now you just know you will freeze or possibly get caught in a torrential downpour. I suggest home workouts since it is more cost effective then the gym and it cuts down on travel time. Anything helps when you are trying to save for Christmas presents.

A huge factor for me personally is to have a partner that will be committed with me and keep me accountable. Knowing that someone else is in the same boat is so nice. Find a positive friend who is serious about sticking to a plan and you will find that you just have to keep up your end of the deal.

You must set a realistic goal for yourself. My husband has a great saying “always under promise and over deliver” don’t make unrealistic goals for yourself. Find a goal you believe will push you but won’t leave you feeling defeated. Sometimes you want to get into a routine that will build good habits for a lifestyle change but sometimes you have a goal that you are willing to get drastic in order to achieve. Know that with Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas coming up you are going to want to schedule in some days where you will get to relax and enjoy eating whatever you want!

It will inspire you greatly if you have a reward set for yourself if you achieve your goal. If you can afford to do this you should have a certain amount of money that would allow you to go on a shopping spree or maybe a spa treatment that will help make your new look even better. Also, set small goals. If you accomplish everything you set out for yourself in a week than treat yourself to something small that you can look forward to.

Set a time for your work-out that works best for you. If you are like me the morning would be the best time to work out. That way I don’t dread it all day and I can take my shower in the morning right afterwards so I don’t walk around like a zombie until I get my shower. It will also help your body to want to eat the right foods all day long. Maybe for some of you the evening works best for child care and wanting to burn off that energy that just sat around all day. Knowing that you have time set aside for your work-out will help a great deal.

I hope these suggestions help you to stay motivated during this most wonderful time of the year!

Annie is passionate about every aspect of exercise and fitness. She feels that if you keep your workouts fresh and fun you will continue to work out. If you are looking for an intense home work out that has been used to train professional athletes she suggests trying out the Insanity Workout by Shaun T, or theSlim in 6 Workout for ladies.Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/how-to-stay-motivated-during-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year-1519041.html