The Holidays are officially here and I don’t know about you, but I can already feel it impacting my food choices.

Trust me, I’ve been there – an extra cookie here, a bread basket there and all of a sudden BOOM! Like a ton of bricks, all of the blood sweat and tears that went into your summer bod, go up in a pile of sprinkles cupcakes.

Not to worry, I got you covered bae!

Today, I am sharing 5 fun tips for keeping your summer body, all winter long – so lace up those running sneakers, and get ready to kick off the New Year in the best shape of your life!

To be honest, this is going to be a lot easier than you think – and remember to have fun along the way, cuz happy people are healthy people (and burn more calories, er something)… :o)

Just remember, summer bodies are made in the winter, and by getting motivated to be in shape now instead of waiting for the New Year, you’ll have a head start by the holidays, and the best part? You’ll still easily be indulge in a dessert here and there!

no. 1 | D I E T 101

We’ve all heard it, abs are made in the kitchen – this is not some lame saying someone put on a t-shirt, its plain fact.

I don’t care how much you workout, if you are fueling your body with s*it, its gonna catch up to you eventually.

Commit to eating right, and plan for your weaknesses so you can overcome them. I tend to skip breakfast because of time or just plain neglect, and so now, I make smoothies that take less than 5 minutes to make, and that I can take on the road. I also combat my sweet tooth with healthier options at home, such as watermelon, or wheat toast with peanut butter and banana.

If you’re like me and always skip breakfast unless you make a smoothy or a shake, you can always make the drink even better for you by adding something like bulk supplement creatine that will help you increase your muscle mass and let you see quicker results from your fitness routine.

If you know you are eating out, or like to try new restaurants account for that in your weekly meal plan. Allow yourself a dessert, and a bread basket here and there, but be mindful of how frequently this occurs – the key is moderation, not abstinence.

To help out I will be sharing a series of recipes that are super easy to make, super yummy and healthy! Yay! Today, I’m starting with my fave goat cheese and roasted cranberry brussel sprouts!

no. 2 | E X E R C I S E 101

Finding a workout that works for your is crucial. Some people like pilates, I like to box.

What matters is that you are constantly changing up your routine and keeping your muscles guessing. I personally would recommend Orange Theory Fitness, or Cardio-Boxing like the training I do at Art of Eight Fitness because they do just that, and I can honestly say I have never been in better shape that when I started boxing at Ao8, plus I never get bored, like ever.

Cardio is also key – I don’t care if you are running or jump roping, or speed walking even – get moving! Cardio is good for the heart, and for your body in general, so make sure to clock some miles no matter the pace. Fun fact, you burn just as many calories in a 10 minute jump rope session as you do in a 30 minute jog, so if you’re in a hurry – jump rope is the way to go!

Core workouts are also super important, and not just for killer abs! Your core is what gives you posture, balance, and the foundation for building muscle -make sure to check out the 10 minute core routine I put together with Art of Eight training. I love it because you can do the whole workout in 10 minutes or less!

Try to at least get 10 minutes of core in at least 5 days a week, and 30 minutes of cardio in at least 3 days a week. you will notice a difference within a few weeks, and not just in your waist line, but in your overall energy level as well!

Looking for more fitness tips/routines? Check out my list of workouts here, and the best part? They include fun tunes to listen to while you do em!

no. 3 | B U D D Y – U P

When working out, it totally helps to have a buddy!

I love that my girl, and fellow San Diego Fashion Blogger Ashley Pöppe is taking classes at Ao8 now, and she has the same excitement and glow about her as when I started!

Its so fun to workout with a girl squad, and its super motivating to have someone that you know will call you out when you don’t make it to the gym. Accountability is crucial to maintaining a consistent workout routine, and it totally helps to have a buddy that will endure the torture of a good sweat sesh with you!

no. 4 | {G E T } P E R S O N A L

Personal Training is one of the best possible investments you can make, because you are investing in you.

Yeah, that’s right – I am giving you permission to be selfish! Take, all of that Starbucks money you waste on a weekly basis, and sign up with a personal trainer at the gym of your choice. Most gyms including Art of Eight have personal training specials – they even offer duo sessions to help offset the cost if you need to.

There is really no excuse not to afford a personal trainer when you are seriously trying to get in shape. Most trainers like Danny, offer you really cool workouts that you can take home with you and do on your own, so you can build your own workout on days you don’t train with them.

I also like having a personal trainer for the mere fact that it creates a mental accountability that makes you think twice about reaching for a second helping at dinner, or an extra beer during Taco Tuesday.

No joke, my personal training sessions with Danny are on Mondays – the day everyone loathes, and the sweat sessions with him have actually made me want to kick the rest of the weeks ass! Conquering a good sweat session with him is the best mood booster there is, after that – who needs coffee?!

no. 5| T R E A T – Y O’ S E L F

Rewarding yourself is important!

I am not saying bask in a mound of doughnuts once you finish every workout, but having a weekly reward of some sorts is a great way to practice self restraint throughout the week, while allowing yourself the opportunity to indulge in one of your favorite guilty pleasures!

Personally, I love a good Açai bowl, and so I tend to grab one in Pacific Beach after yoga on the weekends. It has become the perfect way to kick my day off and a great motivator to get me out of bed for a good vinyasa flow on a Saturday or Sunday morning!

>> G E T the L O O K <<

Laguna Sports Bra, Legging, and Pullover Sweater – YOGASMOGA

Karl is My Father Gym Bag – Eleven Paris via LuvIT

Nike Zoom – Nordstrom

Photography by Ryan Acain