Holiday meals with friends and family are legendary, but also a great time to feel rather too eager to dive into the food you want!

1. Don't starve yourself all day. For many people, this is a plan before the holiday lunch/dinner as a way to eat as much as they want during that meal because they have not had any food during the day. This is not recommended because it may cause you to just eat all the food without actually tasting or enjoying the food. You will definitely overeat and end up not feeling good after your meal. 

2. Don't overfill your plate to the brim. There's plenty of food and there will be leftovers, guaranteed. You don't need to get it all on one plate! 

3. Sit and wait before going back for seconds/thirds/etc. Let the food settle after your first plate; no need to rush back for another plate. This allows you to enjoy the meal and get those impulses in check. If you still feel hungry, going back for more food is reasonable as long as your eyes are not hungrier than your stomach. 

4. Drink plenty of water! There are plenty of fun drinks such as beer and wine on offer, and it's totally fine to consume in moderation. However, make sure to keep drinking water throughout the day. This will help regulate hunger, help you not overeat, and ultimately help you digest your meals effectively. 

5. Pick your "must haves"! It's okay! There are certain foods that only come out during the holidays. If you want to enjoy those foods specifically, you can definitely avoid loading up on the extra food you're not particularly excited about. Candied yams? Go for it! That's Miguel's favorite and one he would load up on instead of the mashed potatoes. Turkey/chicken, load up on that, then get some veggies! You don't need to throw away all the fitness progress just because it's the holidays! 

Use these tools to ensure you don't go off track while also enjoying your holiday meals. Keep your goals in mind as you progress through the holiday season and remember to never use the holidays as an excuse to go overboard! 

Now have fun and get after it! Happy Holidays!