by Marilyn De Angelis Pennell

Created on: July 30, 2008   Last Updated: September 22, 2008

Enjoy the Holidays Without Gaining Weight

Are you worried about gaining weight during the upcoming holiday season? Take heart! You can enjoy the holidays while maintaining your weight. Here's how

*Diets don't work. Unless you permanently change how and what you eat, you'll just regain what you lost and more. Instead, choose healthy foods and fit in at least ten minutes of exercise, three times a day:

*Don't go to holiday events hungry. Satisfy your hunger beforehand so you won't be tempted to eat everything in sight when you get to that holiday party. Plan ahead. Find out what is going to be on the menu and eat foods that will fill you up before you go.

*Bring your own healthy snacks to parties. When the hostess passes the cheese and crackers, whip out your own salt free peanuts, low fat cheese sticks and baby carrots. Munch on apple slices with low fat peanut butter. Better yet, bring a low fat dip made with fat free yogurt instead of sour cream.

*Drink Lots of Water and Sip Slowly: The average alcoholic drink has about 150 to 200 calories per glass. Stick to wine, preferably red wine, which is good for your heart. Sip one glass slowly and make it last. Mix your wine with sparkling water and you could the calories in half.
Avoid mixed drinks which are full of sugars and very high in calories.

*Slow down and enjoy your food . Chew more and eat less. Chewing releases digestive enzymes that slow the absorption of food, helping you feel fuller longer. Pace yourself and enjoy your "slow eating."

*Find someone new at your holiday party and spend time talking. The more you talk, the less you'll eat. You might also make a new friend.

*Cheat: If you deny yourself all goodies, you may end up throwing healthy eating out the window. Instead, promise yourself one treat per day, whether it's a chocolate chip cookie or a slice of pecan pie.

*Take a brisk walk around the block between courses at dinner. You'll get in a little exercise while getting away from food.

*Cut down on bad fats and high glycemic carbs like pasta, bread and potatoes. Skip high calorie condiments, gravies and salad dressing.

*Watch your wight now. Eat healthy and exercise now. If you put off healthy eating and exercise until the New Year, you're opening the door to holiday weight gain and more pounds to lose later. Make a New Year;s resolution that is NOT related to food or dieting.

If you often put healthy eating and exercise on hiatus during the holidays, these guidelines for a healthier holiday will help you follow a healthy eating plan. The added plus is that you will not only enjoy the holiday season but feel better and more relaxed. Enjoy!

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