Staying The Path During The Holidays

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that earlier this year I started pursuing a healthier lifestyle. I’ve always been someone who works out pretty consistently, but eating healthy was not my thing. We got into a rut where we’d order take out several times a week and had a diet really heavy in carbs. I found myself at a point when I had no energy. I wanted to take a nap with my kids every day. That meant I wasn’t getting any time to myself, which meant I was at my wit’s end by the time Jake came home every night, which meant I was crabby at him, which meant it was affecting our marriage, which brought me to my breaking point when I decided I had to make a change.

I randomly purchased an at home fitness program which had some killer boot camp style workouts and an easy to follow eating plan. I learned how to eat healthy in a way that was easy for my busy life as a mom of four, and my life started to transform before my eyes.

Every day I felt a little stronger. I had more self-control and instead of just eating food to fill myself up, I was choosing foods that also nourished me!

I’ve been on my healthy living journey for about nine months now, and I’ve made a lot of progress. I lost the rest of my baby weight and I’m smaller than I’ve ever been, but most importantly, I have the energy I need to  keep up with my kids and I have the energy I need to be a better wife.

Now that we’re in the holiday season, I need to constantly be reminding myself to stay the path, to not get distracted by candy canes, gingerbread, and sugar cookies. I’ve worked too hard to let myself slip backward!

Here are three things I’m doing this holiday season to stay on track, so that when it’s time to put away the Christmas tree I’ll feel ready and excited for the new year!

Three Things You Can Do Right Now To Stay The Path Through The Holidays

1. PRE-DECIDE! The biggest key in my success has been deciding ahead of time what I’m going to do. When will you work out each day? Schedule it in your calendar an make it a priority!

2. Embrace balance! There is nothing wrong with enjoying your favorite holiday foods and treats! But we don’t need to enjoy 10 servings of them! Again, pre-decide ahead of time what you’re going to have, put it on a plate instead of grazing to prevent overeating, and then ENJOY it without guilt!

3. Ask someone to hold you accountable! If you really want to stay on track through the holidays, tell someone about it, and ask that person to check in on you! It will help you to think twice before overindulging!

My hope and prayer for you is that you feel your very best version of yourself so you can truly enjoy the season with your friends and family. When we’re confident, fit, and healthy, we exude energy that makes other people want to be around us! We’re able to love on our kids and our husbands because our hearts are full! If you’d like help getting your health and fitness journey started, please email me at koinoniaathletic@gmail.com.

This post is brought to you by Calia By Carrie Underwood! When I wear their winter line, including the headband, vest, sweater, tank top, leggings, and quilted bag in these photos, it helps me walk with a little extra pep in my step. It helps me to stay the path! I would highly recommend adding these items to your Christmas list! It’s the best active gear around!

Let’s live healthy so we can love deeply!

XOXO,

Amber

This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of CALIA.

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!