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With summer quickly making an exit and fall approaching, this season is sure to bring the holidays filled with foods and beverages high in calories. Between Halloween and New Year's Day, people stuff themselves and gain pounds until losing weight becomes a to-do on their resolution list for the start of the next year. In the case of holiday seasons, nutrition is almost never an option. Family dinners, company parties, and other holiday festivities constantly expose all to foods that decrease energy levels and increase our stress levels. Once we've spotted the casseroles, cakes, turkeys and puddings, thoughts of dieting and health maintenance is forgotten. Our eating habits are sometimes worse than the food we choose to eat. A strategy in healthy eating for the holidays will ensure that you avoid gaining excess weight from eating foods high in starch and sugar. Prepare yourself mentally, physically and emotionally for holiday madness!

The portion of your meal is a big deal. The presence of a buffet is not an excuse to overindulge on all that's offered. There's nothing wrong with treating yourself to a slice of cake or a cookie. Using the smaller portion method allows you to sample different treats without the guilt of being greedy. However, include protein in every meal. We tend to starve ourselves to leave room for the feast, but this only guarantees a binge fest once we make it to the party.

Never eat food at a fast pace! Your body will not be thankful later. Remember to chew your food carefully and slowly. This helps the digestion process while letting you savor the meal put before you. Show Also, to avoid overeating at a party, have a nourishing meal before attending the event. Going to a party hungry is not a good idea. The idea is to have a balance meal that includes vegetables along with the meats and desserts. Listen to your body when it feels full. Never feel bad about not clearing a plate and do not eat something you don't want.

While everyone loves a drink or two in celebration of New Year's, Christmas, or Thanksgiving, remember the biggest disadvantages of consuming alcohol. The calories in mixed alcoholic beverages are extremely excessive and cause weight gain. If you plan to drink, then make it a glass of wine, not a long line of mixed drinks. Beer drinkers should choose light beer and stay away from consuming the whole six-pack. Drink plenty of water to ensure that dehydration does not occur from the alcohol. Sodas are also consumed in great quantities by both children and adults. Not only does soda include caffeine and sugar, there is absolutely no dietary worth in those types of beverages.

Lots of people struggle to make it through the holiday without being heavier than they were before pulling up to the table. One reason this is the case is a lack of physical activity. Keep your exercise routine to burn off those calories that you've ingested. Go walking, cycling, or jogging with your family members and friends.

Control what you eat by hosting your own holiday party with dishes low in fat and calories. Low fat milks, butters and creams, sodas, etc. can achieve the same quality of taste as those regular brands. Try eating turkey breasts free of skin, desserts with fresh fruits, and casseroles with pure vegetables.

Approach your holiday health strategy with a bit of optimism and realism. Though these tips will present a challenge to your overall sensibilities, if you want to watch your waistline, make a conscious choice to moderate. Have a healthy holiday of fun, food, and family!

Learn more about this author, Erica Dallas.
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