Ready or not, November is here. And that means the holiday season is upon us! Shopping, food, parties, family - awesome stuff, but also more challenges than usual to staying active and healthy.

Work doesn’t stop during the holiday season, and for many it only picks up. Having a treadmill desk is a great way to keep active during this busy time of year.

Being active can be even more important during these months of pies, cookies, and eggnog galore. To start the season off right, we called on Registered Dietitian and Licensed Nutritionist, Lindsay Schmitz to help us plan for healthy eating. Lindsay passed along these four tips and a great holiday recipe! We love these tips, especially the last one: “Enjoy Your Favorites”!

Tip #1: Plan Ahead.

With a busy holiday schedule of shopping, visiting relatives and parties, it can be difficult to sit down to a healthy meal. Make healthy casseroles, veggie burgers, quickbreads, etc. and freeze them for later. Avoid the shopping mall food by bringing fresh fruit, whole grain crackers and low-fat string cheese.

Tip #2: Never go to a party hungry.

Skipping meals only makes you hungry and can easily lead to overeating. On the day of the party, eat a well balanced breakfast and lunch. Before you go out the door, have a healthy snack such as Greek yogurt, a cup of vegetable soup or a piece of fresh fruit with a handful of nuts.

Tip #3: Bring A Dish.

Many traditional holiday and party foods are high in fat and calories, so one key to success is to make sure there are healthy alternatives available. Offer to bring a dish and make it a delicious low-fat one. Try this recipe: