How to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

Take the time to take care of yourself this upcoming holiday season. All foods fit, but you must eat in moderation...especially during this time of holiday food temptation. Allow yourself to enjoy your favorite foods, but try focusing on your relationships with your family and friends. Remember, conversation is calorie-free!

Losing weight during the holiday season may be difficult; instead, focus on weight maintenance and increasing physical activity. See below for healthy holiday eating strategies so you can freely greet the New Year without the thought of a drastic diet. Fill this holiday season with great memories, not extra calories.

-Eat small, frequent meals to help you stay in a nourished state. Never go out to a holiday party starving...this will lead to larger portions and poor food choices.

-Plan to have healthy foods on hand-at home and at the office. If you want to eat healthier, create a healthy eating environment. Keep extra fruits and vegetables on hand to help you control your hunger by providing you with dietary fiber.

-Don't sabotage yourself. Keep trigger foods (cookies, cakes, pies, candy, etc.) out of your house and office. Give away high calorie treats and modify your favorite recipes by decreasing the fat or sugar content.

-Keep portions small. Often a taste is all you will need to satisfy a craving or your curiosity. Also, leave some food on your plate.

-Avoid sitting by the food at a holiday party to help limit temptation.

-Watch liquid calories...especially alcohol. Alcohol is high in calories and may increase your appetite.

-Leave the dieter's mentality at home. Remember, diets don't work. You go 'on' and 'off' a diet; instead, create a healthy eating lifestyle.

-Keep exercising! Exercise during the holiday season can help with weight maintenance and stress management. Try to plan holiday celebrations around activities such as ice skating, skiing, sledding, or walking around the neighborhood to view holiday lighting displays.