by C. Elliot

Created on: July 31, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

Between dancing sugarplums, cookies for Santa, and songs about figgy pudding, the holidays and food seem to go hand-in-hand. If you find yourself overwhelmed by the array of unnutricious food items, remember these strategies for healthy holiday eating.

1. Indulge sooner rather than later. It's no secret that your metabolism drops when you're asleep. So if you're enticed by a gingerbread man or a slice of pie, enjoy such caloric treats well before bedtime. As a rule of thumb, don't eat during the two to three hours before you go to sleep.

2. Try baking with alternate ingredients. Trade sugar for Splenda, and use low-calorie spices like cinnammon to enhance flavors. Also, go for a classic weight-loss trick: When you bake, replace oils with pumpkin or apple sauce. With this approach, you can still make delicious treats for your family, friends, or yourself. But by trimming off some of the most fattening ingredients, you'll also keep your waistline trim.

3. Be conscientious of the phrase "portion control." Plain old overeating is a major crime of the holidays. If you can't resist sampling holiday foods, go with the "cut your food in half" strategy. Before you even begin eating, cut everything on your plate into halves and set one half aside. By consuming only half the food, you'll also consume only half the calories.

4. Be wary of caloric foods disguised as garnishes. Seemingly innocent sauces and dips can be loaded with fat, sodium, and calories. Be similarly cautious of holiday drinks. Hot chocolate and egg nog are not ordinary beverages to accompany a meal - they are caloric indulgences in their own right.

5. At holiday gatherings, head straight for a veggie or fruit tray. If you fill up on healthy foods first, you'll be less likely to nibble on something nutriously unredeeming later.

6. Stick to your exercise routine. The holidays are known for being busy, and it can sometimes feel tough to squeeze in time for working out. But during the holiday hullaballoo, it's as important as ever to keep your exercise regime intact. So keep hitting the gym, or enjoy some seasonal sports (perhaps plan an ice skating outing with friends or family). You'll keep your energy and metabolism high, which will help you stay happy and fit throughout the season.

7. Guzzle down water. Many holiday foods are packed with sodium, which can leave your body feeling heavy and bloated. Drinking extra water will help "flush" out your system. Sure, drinking water won't compensate for every

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