We have officially had our first taste of winter after this weekend in Dallas.

There is just something about cold weather that screams for lazy days and warm comfort food.

Let the holiday season begin!

Just because bathing suit season is over does not mean that you should throw all of your hard work away.

It is important to stay on track with your clean eats and maintain a consistent workout schedule so you do not have to start all over again.

Set goals for yourself each week.

By setting weekly goals, you are giving yourself a more realistic challenge.

Whether it is a goal of working out five days that week or trying a new healthy recipe, this will help keep you on track.

Exercise during the cold winter months.

Are you one of those people that loathes going to the gym?

Do you stop running all together when it gets cold outside to avoid the treadmill?

Many people just love exercising outdoors.

Who can blame them? There is nothing better than a great run when it is a beautiful, sunny day outdoors.

However, there is no reason to skip a workout just because you do not want to go to the gym.

There are plenty of ways to fight the cold and still get a good sweat in.

Go to a local sporting goods store and talk to the sales associates about how to stay warm for your outdoor walk or jog.

Start a new exercise DVD program. Perhaps do P90x or that Jillian Micheal’s 30 day shred. You can get your workout done without even leaving your living room.

Try new classes.

Is there a yoga studio or a CrossFit class you have been dying to go to? Join on a month-by-month basis until the weather warms up again. If you pay for it, you will be much more likely to go.

Suck it up and go to the gym.

For people who love being outdoors this may sound terrible, but just go.

Everyone needs to get their endorphins going even if you just sweat for 30 minutes. You might even find that you like it when you leave.

“Health-ify” your comfort food

This is what really gets people. It is cold. Dreary. And all you want is a grilled cheese with soup or a giant bowl of pasta.
While there is nothing wrong with that, make sure that you are choosing the healthier options.

For example, if you want a bowl of pasta, swap white noodles for wheat and instead of using a ton of pasta add veggies to amp up the volume of your bowl. By adding veggies such as spinach or broccoli, you will actually end up feeling even more satisfied and full.

Have self control.

Holiday parties. Halloween. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years.

There is so much to look forward to during this time of year and do not let everything revolve around food.

Just remember how special certain days are and save up to indulge.

There is no need to have six cookies at the party – have a bite of one and move on.

Don’t stand by the food tables or you will find yourself constantly munching.

Eat a healthy, filling meal beforehand so you will not be starving.

Bring your own healthy dish to the party. You will know that you at least have one thing to snack on that will not ruin your waistline.

You can do it.

Push yourself.

Challenge youself.

You are the only one who can determine your health.