The holidays hit us fast and hard every year. Turkey, potatoes in all forms, cakes, pies, and so much more for you to consume throughout the season. The first time you bite into that decadent chocolate cake on Thanksgiving night, you see your diet and exercise routine going quickly down the drain.

How can you keep yourself motivated enough to say no to that extra helping of mashed potatoes at Thanksgiving dinner or the extra whipped cream peppermint hot cocoa at Christmastime?

When it’s cold outside and you do not have a desire to step foot out of your cozy bed or couch where you’re binging on Christmas movies, it can be really hard to make the decision to get up and work out.

Having a gym nearby when your environment is full of temptation makes all the difference in the world when you’re struggling to get yourself out the door.

Kerrie Gottell, owner and head coach of KFIT Bootcamp of Weymouth, says, “Staying on track can be hard, but it’s worth it. We see results in girls who are trying to reach certain weight loss goals, or certain strength personal records all the time in the winter. Our job as coaches is to help motivate you and keep you on track. We give out small goals to our clientele and create friendly competition to achieve it. These girls push each other like no group I’ve ever seen. I do my part by holding them accountable to any food plans they’re on and making it fun and enticing to come to the gym.”

She continues, “Thanksgiving is a time where we eat, a lot. I try not to stress too much about it. It’s more about getting a workout in that day and then making sure you’re back on track the next day. You deserve a cheat day, everyone does, so indulge a little, enjoy our turkey dinner, and just get yourself back to your routine the next day. If you don’t, one day turns to two and then before you know it it is January.”

Her advise is to simply keep yourself on track. Finding yourself a gym you love and a workout buddy can also be key. Having someone else motivate you and help hold you accountable to staying with your workout routine can make all the difference in the world.

If you know at the end of the day someone is going to ask you if you made your gym class that afternoon or not, you will be so much more likely to force yourself to get there so you can truthfully answer “yes” to your friend. Not only does your workout buddy help you, but you help them too.

Additionally, there are ways to get the holiday flavors without the holiday calories. For example, swapping out heavy whipping cream with regular light cream or whole milk with coconut or almond milk can make a recipe slightly more healthy. Simple hacks can make a dish go from 1500 calories to 400. You just have to be smart about it and want to put forth the effort to research healthy substitutes and follow through with it.

Stay active this winter. If you stay on track with the right eating habits you’ll feel great. If you have a set health routine, that will allow for you to indulge on the special days and be able to still keep yourself on track for the days to follow, don’t miss out on the holiday festivities; just find a way to modify it for your health and fitness goals.