Be prepared might be the Boy Scouts motto, but it works pretty well for fitness fanatics as well. Going into the holidays, it is important to be prepared. Having a plan to fight off the lure of decadent desserts and afternoon naps on the couch can mean the difference between staying on the diet track or complete fitness derailment. With all the goodies within your reach this time of year, having a few healthy holiday snacks on tap will greatly increase your chance of holiday success.

Cranberries

These little berries with the deep crimson blush are packed with antioxidants and not too high in sugar. Finding ways to incorporate these into the holidays can often satisfy a sweet tooth without packing on the pounds. There are many recipes online for healthy cranberry options. Check out this one from Taste of Home that uses tart Granny Smith Apples, gelatin, and unsweetened apple juice.

Crunchy Cereal Mix

For those of us who crave salty snacks, you can find healthier versions of Chex Mix online too. Many of them add popcorn to decrease the calories while keeping the salty crunch on high. Here’s one that uses many of the original ingredients. Consider eliminating the peanuts and adding just a handful of chopped almonds instead.

Mixed Nuts

Nuts are packed with nutrients and offer a great snack that requires some work. Buy some nuts in their shells and keep a basket of them out. Almonds and walnuts are great snacks and the time it takes you to open them truly does reduce the number you will eat.

Planning ahead when you are living a healthy lifestyle is crucial. Having good choices to reach for when the rest of the family is eating cookies can be a life saver. Consider bringing some healthy holiday snack options to the holiday gatherings you attend. You will always have options that way and your family just might thank you for it!

Starting any new nutrition plan can be difficult. Depending on what you are used to eating, it can take a period of adjustment. The good thing about the P90X nutrition plan is it doesn’t ask you to do anything bad for your health. There are no severe restrictions on calories and the only lack of variety stems from your lack of imagination! By urging a healthy plan high in protein and limited carbohydrates, the P90X nutritional plan will burn fat and kick your metabolism into overdrive. If you are not accustomed to a diet plan like this, however, you may need some help in coming up with healthy meal and snack ideas. Planning ahead is key when it comes to the proper P90X lunch, dinner and breakfast choices. By making sure your refrigerator is stocked with fresh vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins you make it much easier to make healthy choices that line up with your ultimate goal. When grocery shopping, be sure to stick to the outside aisles as much as possible. This is where you will find the good whole foods that are so important in the P90X nutrition plan.

Starting new can leave you with little idea of what to munch on. When hunger hits, you want to be sure you have some ideas ready to go so your spur of the moment decision will be a good one. Always remember fruit and fresh vegetables are a good choice and add the following to your list of potential snacks:

+ Deviled eggs (only use half a yolk per egg to reduce the fat)

+ Low fat spinach dip with veggies

+ Apple slices with cheese

+ Low fat yogurt with berries sugar free jello made with fruit

+ Beef or turkey jerky

+ Low-fat string cheese

+ Lettuce wraps (iceberg lettuce wrapped with low fat cold cuts)

+ Almonds

+ Turkey Pepperoni

Meal times can be hectic. Depending on your daily schedule you may not have time to make a healthy P90X lunch or cook a full meal every night. Most modern day adults need quick healthy meals in order to avoid the lure of fast food.

Omelets are an excellent source of lean protein and a quick one pan meal. To decrease the fat use all egg whites or simply halve the amount of yolks you use. You can easily trick yourself by adding only one yolk to a 3 egg white omelet. Throw in mushrooms, peppers, lean sausage or chicken breast pieces, or whatever healthy ingredients you have on hand. Top with low fat cheese or salsa, and dinner is served. A great P90X lunch idea is keeping grilled chicken breast strips on hand. You can buy these already cooked in your grocery store, or grill a few breasts, slice lengthwise and store for future use. Chicken breast strips go great in stir fry, low-carb wraps, or mixed in with your veggie of choice. To add some variety liven the chicken up with lemon pepper, Cajun spices, Asian seasonings, or salsa. The same holds true for grilled lean cuts of beef or pork tenderloin.

The best way to prevent straying from the P90X nutrition plan is to have what you need on hand. When your kitchen is stocked, your excuses go out the window. By being prepared and keeping good meal and snack ideas close, you are more likely to maintain your motivation and see the results you want with P90X and the P90X nutrition plan.

Remember: If you take a minute to pack your own healthy P90X lunch, you’ll never have to run and grab a quick piece of pizza or burger when your short on time at work.