By Carrie Snellman
Personal trainer, Auburn Valley Y

The holidays have officially arrived, and guess what that means? Socializing, parties, candy canes, pastries, cookies and eggnog, basically food.

The pressure is on, folks. Do you have what it takes to keep your willpower (or energetic determination) running on high?.

Here is the plan. … “Who cares, just pig out, you can go ahead and start the first of the year.”

If you think I really meant that, than an ornament must have fallen off the tree and hit you on the head. I would never tell you to just go for it and start again in January.

Now is the most important time to stay on track. The average person gains 5-7 pounds during the holiday season.

In the spirit of the holiday season and making sure your health and well-being is accounted for, I have the following:

The Top 10 Commandments for Wellness Wishers

1. Thou shall eat moderately and not stuff thyself except on Christmas Day (followed by a good brisk walk).

2. Thou shall remember the true meaning of the holiday season and that it is not food, food, food.

3. Thou shall enjoy the warmth and love of family and friends.

4. Thou shall take the time each day to relax and do something special for thyself.

5. Thou shall not eat the cookie dough before it is baked.

6. Thou shall not tempt thyself and friends with gobs of high fat, high sugar treats.

7. Thou shall not make cookies and candy unless thou has committed them to a worthy cause (which does not include thee).

8. Thou shall not station thyself next to the hors d’oeuvre table, so chips and dip can be shoved rapidly into thy mouth as thee chats with friends.

9. Thou shall not consume all of thy daily calories during the happy hour.

10. Thou shall not skip daily exercise because thou is too busy with holiday preparations.

Remember the holidays are about being thankful for your health and wellness and sharing special moments with family and friends, not stuffing thyself with the baked goodies that just arrived in your office.The holidays can be a very stressful time, so take the time to take care of yourself so that you can take care of those around you.

Enjoy the little things.

Carrie Snellman, is an ACE-certified personal fitness trainer at the Auburn Valley Y.