*Don't let the weather keep you from getting in your exercise.
Weather is the main excuse people give me for not riding or running. Sure, it can get cold this time of year. But with the right kind of clothing, it isn't that bad. And remember, you generate your own heat when exercising. Think about the fact that your body temperature is nearly 100 degrees. If you're bundled up right, you can keep much of that hundred degrees close to you. That will warm you up in a hurry. If you spend 60-90 minutes on the bike, then get home and into a warm shower, you will feel twice as good as you do when you ride during the warm weather months.

 Dress warm

*Use the extra days off to squeeze in a ride.
The holiday season means extra days off from work. Use those days to sneak in a bike ride. I suggest getting an early start, though. On colder days, the longer you wait, the harder it is to make yourself get out. And because it gets dark early this time of year, you might just procrastinate yourself into missing an opportunity. On Thanksgiving Day, we always go to Lisa's mom's house. Lisa's mom lives right by the Creek bike trail. So I always bring my bike along. When we're done eating all that turkey and pie, and when everyone else is passing out on the couch, I slip out and go for a bike ride. It feels good, knowing all that food is melting away.

 Load up your bike

*Set manageable goals for exercise.
This is a busy time of year. In addition to all the stuff you have to do, it is dark by 5:30, and the weather is unpredictable. So when the weather gets cold, I shoot for three to four days a week. If I can be on my bike three days out of seven, I'm not going to beat myself up. Set your goal to ride at least three days a week, from now until the end of the year. Or, set a mileage goal. You should be able to get in 600 miles between now and December 31. Keep a log, so you can monitor your progress. And you can bet that your weight won't creep up like it does every other year.

*Eat what you want, but stop when you begin to feel full.
I like food, especially holiday food. My mom always bakes chocolate, apple, and pumpkin pies. Since I like all three, I don't pick just one. I'll usually eat at least two pieces at holiday dinners. If you're going to do that, knock yourself out. But when you get full, stop eating. That's one of the cardinal rules for weight loss: eat what you want, not what you think you should, but as soon as you begin to feel full, stop eating.

 
While they play football, go for a ride.

*Ask friends and family to help hold you accountable.
Maybe you could ask your riding buddy if he is available to go for a spin on Thanksgiving or the day after Christmas. That way, you're committed, and are less likely to skip out. Ask your family to help you when it comes to eating. Work out the details ahead of time, or you'll be less likely to do it.

*Don't beat yourself up if you miss some days.
The fact is that you're going to fall off the wagon. You're going to miss some days. You're going to eat too much. And you might even gain a couple of pounds. Don't give up completely, though. Just take it a day at a time. If you miss a couple of days, just get back on and start again.

Just because most people gain weight during the last two months of the year, it doesn't mean that you have to. Don't wait until New Years to make a resolution to lose weight. Make a resolution now to not gain it in the first place.

What are you doing on Thanksgiving? Want to go for a ride?