It can sometimes be a challenge to balance the demands of the Christmas season and stay focused on the things that really matter—things like celebrating the birth of Jesus, recognizing His love and presence in our lives, and having memorable times with family and friends. So, I want to help you find a way to do those things, as well as maintain your health and fitness goals, and have some fun while you’re at it!

When temptation abounds, it takes determination to steer clear of calorie-rich goodies and not trade exercise time for other things—like shopping and parties. But, you can have a terrific time this season without piling on the pounds, or the extra weight and guilt that come with it. These few tips have helped me over the years, and I trust they will do the same for you.

 It’s All About People

I’ve learned that reminding myself of what’s really important helps me stay focused on my health and fitness goals, even when attending Thanksgiving dinner or Christmas parties.  My purpose for attending these events is interaction with people—not with food.

If you decide before you go to an event that your reason for attending is to celebrate Jesus and love on people rather than eat ’til you pop—it’ll make all the difference! One way to do this is to pray and ask the Lord to give you opportunities to encourage others. Expect the Holy Spirit to draw you to the people who may be struggling in their lives, so you can speak words of life to them. Proverbs 25:11 says, “A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver” (The Amplified Bible). There is nothing more satisfying than being able to bless someone. What a great gift to give during Christmas! It’s true that “in giving you receive.” Helping others is much more fulfilling than a slice of three-layer chocolate cake loaded with calories that could possibly make you feel regretful moments later.

Holiday gatherings are such a perfect time to nurture relationships. Take the time to really listen to people and interact with them; reconnect with old friends, make new friends and help them feel valued and loved. As you focus on people, you won’t even notice you are not eating all that much. You’ll be having too much fun to be concerned about food! And, at the end of the day, you will feel guilt free and experience the joy that comes from having self-control, and the ultimate joy that comes from loving others.