A lot of people wait to use their new year's resolution to undo all that holiday eating, but those decadent family meals don't have to mean packing on the pounds between now and the first of the year.
"Every year at this point in time, it's not so much thinking about 'at the first of the year I'm gonna make a lifestyle change', it should be 'I'm gonna maintain that lifestyle change I made years ago,'" said Brian Petersen, Fitness Director at Best Fitness.
Even if the gym isn't part of your daily routine, it's okay to start small. You don't have to run a marathon to undo your holiday indulgence. Even a little activity, like walking, can have a big impact when it comes to burning calories.
"It's gonna get your metabolism running, get you mentally set, it's gonna get the endorphins going a little bit, make you feel good about yourself," said Petersen, "and it's gonna keep you on track through the rest of the year."
Another alternative to clocking treadmill time, is to get your heart pumping in a group class.
Petersen recommends classes like zumba, body pump, and cardio kick. "A very fun interactive class can be very beneficial, upbeat, motivational, and keep you on track," he said.
Being mindful of what you're putting into your body can also help lessen the after effects of that Pumpkin Pie. Loading up on fruits and vegetables is key.
"One of the things that you can do, which is actually a family activity and kind of fun, is to make your own cornucopia," said Cleveland Clinic Dietician Carrie Johnson. "You can get whole wheat tortillas, wrap them up in the shape of a cornucopia, put a toothpick in and fill it up with cut up fruit and cut up vegetables."
Working out can be family friendly, too.
"Fun holiday activities... with the family, a walk, building a snowman, sled riding, something in that nature," said Petersen.
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