Avoid Unwanted Fats in Winter Season 

Every year there comes a moment when many hitherto committed exercisers sit back and let it all go! That time seems to be the Christmas holidays. It's understandable when December arrives to become busy with so many other things - exercise may well become less of a priority than usual. Whether you're running around doing last minute shopping, making travel plans to visit relatives or just enjoying the office party, it's a good idea to try to keep some form of exercise going. With nutritionists claiming that the average person's calorie intake on Christmas day is over 3,000 calories, it's easy to see how we can all start bulging in the wrong areas. Try adopting some simple strategies now so you don't have everything to do come January.

Make an Appointment at the Gym

If you make an appointment for something and put it in your diary, most of us are more likely to stick to it. So rather than putting your normal workout routine on ice over the festive season, try to set time aside. A great way to make sure you keep your appointments is booking in to see a personal trainer. I've already booked several sessions in over December and January to give me a kick-start and to keep me focused.

All Activity Counts
If you're taking time off work to spend at home, try to do more than just eating and sitting. Most of us lead rather sedentary lives for the weeks leading up to and following Christmas. Get outdoors, take on some day, rake and bag up the leaves or sweep the snow trust me this can be back-breaking work! . Alternatively grab a fitness DVD or the kid's computer console and try a game of tennis - something all the family can enjoy.

Start Counting Your Steps

The best way to beat the winter bulge is to keep moving. Grab yourself a stepometer and make sure you start wearing it each day. When you awake set the counter to zero and then try to work up to a certain number of steps. A reasonable daily target throughout the holidays would be 6,000 steps a day. It's very achievable if you plan exercise each day. You will have to regularly get off the couch to reach this goal. From several stair climbs to a walk around the block. Think of ways you can add extra steps. How about walking to the grocery store rather than taking the car. Just try to move more and sit less.

Involve The Whole Family
Exercise doesn't have to be an individual pursuit. Enlist the help of family and friends and evidence shows you're far more likely to stick with it. Ditch the television and take the family out for a winter walk. Why not got ice skating - the kids will love it! We always enjoy taking the girls for a family walk this time of year in the countryside. We end up finding a pub at the end of it for hot chocolate and sandwich.

Choose Healthier Foods
We all indulge a little over the Christmas holidays, me included. But unless you don't want to faint when you step on the scales on the first of January, take heed. Food choices are key. Try to listen to your body and stop eating when you're full. Most of us will eat to excess and then complain at how bloated we feel! Don't do it. Reduce your intake of high calories snacks and also limit your alcohol to just one or two glasses of wine at dinner. Avoid second helpings of everything and these small changes can make a considerable difference to keeping your weight balanced.

Strive For a Fitness Goal

One of the best ways to stay focused over the Christmas period is goal-setting. Sign yourself up for a race, a 5k run or some other sporting event in January. This will psychologically keep you more mindful of what you eat and how active you are. It gives you something concrete to aim for and is proven to stop you from over-indulging. Many gyms are quiet during December and they often offer cut price deals and membership options the weeks around Christmas.