KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan -- The holidays are time to celebrate the season, relax and spend time with family and friends. And boy, do we make the most of it. During the holidays, whether deployed or at home, there is food, snacks, candy and other treats readily available. So how do we remain fit to fight during the holidays?

Two key areas that people struggle with, especially during the holidays coupled with being deployed, are motivation and time. When times are hectic, redefine your workout. It doesn't need to be 45 to 60 minutes. An alternative is doing quick total body workouts in 15 minutes. Without wasting time, move quickly through each exercise, doing one set for each major muscle group. Exercise when you can. Try walking to work rather than riding a shuttle or catching a ride. Do push ups or any physical activity during your slow intervals at work.

We need to become creative and find different sources of motivation to sustain our desired fitness level. Whether you prefer to achieve your fitness goals by attending a fitness class, working out with a wingman, or alone, find out what motivates and works for you and stick with it.

The Air Force will begin fitness tests biannually in the coming year. You'll need to live a healthy lifestyle to be successful. Here are a few other ideas for staying fit to fight.

Drink lots of water throughout the day. It helps to suppress your appetite and stimulates metabolic rates.

Snack on fruits, vegetables, and high-fiber foods whenever possible. Fruits and vegetables are healthy and a good alternative to many sweet snacks like cookies and candy.

Keep moving as much as possible throughout the day. Any extra activity helps. Follow a good exercise regiment throughout the week and change it up from time to time.

Portion control every time you eat. Smaller meals allow your body to break down the food and use it as energy. If you over-eat the food gets stored as fat if you do not burn it off.

Don't skip any meals. Your body needs the food throughout the day to stimulate your metabolic rate. If you deprive your body of food your metabolism will slow down.

The easiest way to adjust your lifestyle is finding a life balance. Managing diet, exercise and the proper rest will allow you to sustain your fitness lifestyle over an extended period of time. The Air Force provides its Airmen with the vehicle to develop a fitness lifestyle. But the success of that lifestyle depends on the level of commitment and motivation each of you brings to the fight.