by Tiffany Lane

Created on: November 13, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The 2008 holiday season is approaching. Immediately, the favorite foods, smells, and flavors we love come to mind and sometimes, it makes us salivate -Just a little. The high-tech folks of today are a complex, comfort driven, paradoxical race of jet-setters and laptop users. It is the ever pressing priority for us to maintain our weight, our look, and for the fashionistas quite fiscally prudent to stay in the current size of which all our couture is designed.

In contrast, today's holiday season is more and more a time to reflect, relax, retreat and renew ourselves. Many, if not all American adults enjoy the bubbly, and the sweets as much as the festivities and experiences. In fact, as cuisine savvy as many of our culture is we enjoy consumption of delicacies and foods more than ever; like a hobby or a somewhat existential experience all together. Every year we say: watch the carbs, watch the volume or portion control. As, I observe the masses in their seasonal gluttony there are a few huge No-nos which need to be taken seriously in order to maintain the desired weight and fit physique throughout the many eating events of the season.

The Major No-Nos:

1. Alcohol intake

2. Breads

3. Sauces - Toppings

4. Other Drinks

5. Portion, Portion, Portion

1. Ok, the Alcohol one consumes is a sad and sensitive topic as most Americans do consume some (very few abstain) and this is one of the most fattening substances and is extremely harmful to our bodies, and our minds. In addition, the loss of control of the Self is a huge factor in additonal junk hi caloric consumption.

2. Breads means all the soft stuff. Cookies, desserts are so great. They can be nibbled on the amount greatly reduced so as to not pack on all the extra carbohydrates. Have a bite of a roll and enjoy it, then put it down and eat the rest of the meal. Get the flavor and taste without eating the entire item, or 2, etc.

3. Sauces and toppings really can destroy good healthy foods and make them caloric disasters. For salads - vinegar/oil, light, and just a small amount of toppings can give the flavor and reduce how much fat you add to your meal. You may also actually taste the essence of the foods more simply than underneath all the many flavors in the sauces. Often folks believe they "have" to put salt, butter, sauces, cheese, etc. on everything and it's just a habit of the way we've grown up.

4. Other drinks can be meals' in themselves. Enjoying water with lemon or lime many times will allow you to have a tasty totally OK drink with all the festivities. Pick and choose when to have that holiday drink.

5. Portions should be a little scoop not an entre themselves in size. It's the most important factor and the most difficult to control. Listening to your fullness cues is such a good way to stay in balance. The idea of taking in what you 'need' and stopping when you are full and not having another morsel - is crucial. There is always another day, spread out the eating in order to not have to stuff all the food of the season into your tummy that night. So, what else can be said?

When all is said and done, it comes down to what you've taken in versus how much of that you've burnt away in activity. Walking and exercising as much as possible Shopping is a great way to walk and walk and walk. So, keep moving, and plan ahead for this year. You'll look better and feel better. Looking Great in your Holiday Styles will be more than worth the effort. It is such a great feeling to Look the way you HOPED you would for your special occasions.

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