With Thanksgiving only a week away, fitness center’s nationwide are suddenly packed with unfamiliar faces trying to lose 5 pounds before adding it back on by “Black Friday”

Look familiar?

Instead of exercising as an excuse to eat more stuffing, how about doing it so you’ll be able to spend many more holidays with your family and friends in the future? Exercise and eating healthy is the most powerful gift you can give to your body, and with the holidays quickly approaching, it’s the perfect time to show yourself some love.

Let me stress that I’m no superhero when it comes to temptation. I fully intend on enjoying every delicious bite of food that fills my plate, and maybe even go back for seconds. The main goal here is to maintain control, weigh out our options, and realize that this is not the last meal we will ever eat.

Leftovers will be available by the boatload.

Throughout the next month and a half (and the rest of your life), stick to your workout routine and healthy eating habits. This leaves wiggle room to enjoy other not so healthy foods in moderation. 

Life goes on after the holiday season, and you want to start off the new year 10 weeks healthier, not 10 pounds heavier.