That Fit Girl: Fighting the holiday hunger games

Every year, around this time, you hear people saying they're going to start being healthy after the holidays are over. People act as if they have no choice in eating smart, and they end up taking two steps backward in their fitness goals.

Since healthy living is a choice and not dictated by turkey, tinsel and tequila, I've decided to share some of my tips and tricks that help me get through the holidays and those "games of hunger" without feeling bad and feeling regrets throughout the holiday season.

There’s no need to wait for that New Year’s Resolution to lose weight — start now!

Get moving: Just because you might be on vacation or off from work for the holidays doesn't mean you have to just sit around all day and eat. If you can’t get a workout in at the gym, at least get outside and get moving. Take a long walk, ride your bike, go to the playground and swing, or even go walk the mall. Anything is better than nothing at all.

Try something new: This is a time when you might not have the same workload and responsibilities at work as you normally would. Why not try that new aerial yoga class or boxing at a local boxing gym? Step out of your comfort zone; this is the time. It's not only going to be good for your health, but also for your mind and self-confidence.

Healthy alternatives: It's that time: turkey, stuffing, pies and all those other yummy choices that give a lot of people anxiety about gaining weight. The trick to countering the temptation, and something I look forward to each year, is preparing your special holiday meals, but with healthy alternatives. You don't have to make cookies with the most fattening ingredients. Same goes for mashed potatoes, stuffing and all that jazz.

One of my favorites as an alternative to mashed potatoes is mashed cauliflower. It's just as easy to make, and it knocks your calories and carbs down by more than half. And it tastes delicious, I promise you. So instead of going without, or eating the traditional dishes, start some new culinary traditions. You'll have fun, make memories and love how you look.

Drink Water: Plenty of water. It keeps you full and will also help suppress your appetite. I can't say it enough. Drink all the water! Ok, maybe not all the water, but you get my drift.

During the holidays, it always seems to be party after party, event after event — with lots of food and even more alcohol. This will definitely add some unnecessary calories to your diet. So, how do we confront the urge to splurge while attending the festivities?

Set limits: And stick to them. Allow yourself one or two low-calorie adult beverages and eat a healthy snack before the event. That way you'll be full and satisfied and won't feel terrible about yourself the next morning. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: everything in moderation.

If you're one of those people who struggles with self-control and setting limits, here’s another trick:

Reward yourself: If you set a limit or a guideline for yourself, and you follow through, allow yourself to get a prize. Whether it's getting a special sweet treat or that new bag you've been dying to have, rewarding yourself and having something to look forward to can really help you follow through. Complete a challenge; get a reward. It's as simple as that.

Hopefully these tips and tricks can help you this holiday season. Just remember to stay strong and fight through the hunger games. The most important thing is to remember what the holiday season is really about. It’s not about food and stuffing your face with, well, stuffing. It's about spending time with family and friends, making lifelong memories and realizing the bountiful blessings you have in your life and in yourself. Here's wishing everyone a healthy and happy holiday season.

xoxo,

That Fit Girl

To read more from Kourtney, visit kourtleefit.com.