It’s that time of year!  Jack Frost is not the only one nipping at our nose as the wafting fragrances of roasting turkeys & Christmas cookies start penetrating the cold winter air.  During the Holidays we are enticed…. or dare I say…. bombarded by the decadent temptations of the Season.  From candy canes, to hot cocoa, to stockings filled to the brim with delicious treats, December is flooded with glorious opportunities to overindulge.  Holiday Parties and events abound, each offering more delicious and decadent treats than even Santa himself could dream possible.  Travel home can tempt us out of our healthy routines, and into a diet comprised exclusively of gingerbread houses & honey baked hams.  No one wants to be a Scrooge, but before we know it, being TOO “merry & bright” can lead us to an intense struggle with our favorite pair of skinny jeans.  And let’s face it…. No matter how deeply we inhale, the jeans ALWAYS win!  As we face the onslaught of revelry ahead, here are some simple ways to tackle temptations at “home”, without giving up our holiday cheer! The “If you love me, you’ll eat my deep fried turkey” dilemma: Whether it’s Aunt Marge or Mommy Dearest, families often cook their way into you your heart this time of year, showing their love for you in the form of fruit cakes & jell-o molds. Before you know it, a week has gone by and you’ve consumed thousands of extra calories in chocolate reindeer alone!!  Don’t let your trip home for the holidays derail the year’s hard work!  Here are some ways to avoid the pitfalls of your holiday vacation! 1)      “shopping” in a winter wonderland:  If mom packs the fridge with crescent rolls and butter, make a quick run to the local grocery store & stock up on fresh veggies, fruits and whole foods.  This way, you have something hearty & healthy to snack on instead of reaching for the leftover gingerbread dough! 2)      “It’s a marshmallow world”:  It’ll break Mom’s heart if you don’t eat her twice baked sweet potato & marshmallow casserole.  No problem!  It’s all about portion control!  Take a small 2-spoonful scoop instead of piling your plate. Think ‘tasting’ rather than ‘gorging’, & satiate your senses by trying just a little bit of everything your heart desires. 3)      “I triple dog-dare you!!” You & I both know how easy it is to set up camp on the couch under layers of cozy blankets and snuggle up to an endless marathon of “A Christmas story”.  I’m all about holiday R&R, but balance it out by carving out some time to move!  Dare yourself to a challenge, no gym required!  Go into your little brother’s room where you & your spouse are sharing the world’s smallest twin bed, and get your movement on!  All you need is 6 ft x 4ft of floor space.  Try taking a few sun salutes from yoga, some pushups, for-arm planks, squats, lunges & curls. In less than 20 minutes, you can effectively fire up some strength for the whole body…  and all before Ralphie nearly shoots his eye out! 4)      “Curl” up by the fire: instead of lounging around by the fireplace, get your OWN heat on by doing a minute (of curls to your favorite Christmas music.  When you finish that, dance around the room to your favorite holiday ‘jingles’ (and I promise not to tell anyone that you prefer ‘A Chipmunk Christmas’ to ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.) 5)      “Let it Show, Let it Show, Let it Show-Off! Holidays are about sharing, so why not get the whole family involved?!?  Give the greatest gift of all…. Endorphins!  (you thought I was going to say “togetherness” didn’t you J Boost everyone’s mood by showing off your favorite Burn Bliss moves!  Laugh together (ho ho ho) as mom tries to do 30 seconds of quadricep work. (did you know laughing actually burns calories and helps tone the abdominal muscles?) AND remember all those times dad made you shovel the driveway??…. EXTRA curls for him!! It’s all in good fun as you inspire yourself AND your loved ones to make smart & healthy choices!