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It is upon us again. The time of year we all love and dread all at once. Spending time and making memories with family all while eating away all the hard work you completed trying to get into that bathing suit for the summer. It is safe to say that who ever dictated what occurs from OCT. 31st until JAN. 2nd in our calendars never had an issue with his weight.

If we could just change the calendar to spread these holidays out through the entire year instead of over a course of 9 1/2 weeks. Our weight could be so much easier to control. So unless you are a US Congressman willing to propose this change then what are some easy tips to avoid gaining weight over the holidays, but without giving up all the delicacies we've have all come to love.

1) STAY COMPOSED: If you set in your mind that you are going to gain weight this holiday season chances are you will. Get your mindset in check and believe you are not going to gain anything. You may not lose any weight, but holding steady during the holidays is an accomplishment in itself.

2) SHOPPING: Most don't know, but when we are out shopping is when much of the holiday weight gain occurs. You are eating out or drinking specialty coffees without any sense of what you are doing. Here is how to approach your shopping excursions. Park as far in the lot as possible. EVEN IF IT IS SNOWING. Do not use escalators or elevators. Use the stairs. If the stairs are not near then walk up or down the escalators, do not ride.

When eating out, order lean proteins, such as a burger with no bun. Stay away from the fries. Try steamed veggies or rice. I bet you are thinking I am going to tell you to stay away from the specialty coffees shops too. Look, I am human also. I like the holidays as much as everyone. Sharing coffee with a friend or just having one in your hands makes it feel like the holiday season. So my tips are if you can deal with just normal coffee then do that. It is cheaper and has much fewer calories. However, some people just have to have that specialty cup of joe. So just go about it differently. Order a small, no whip cream, and tell the coffee maker to make it nonfat. This will save you a ton of calories.

3) TRAVELING: Face it we all usually have to travel short or long distances over the holiday season. So how can we do something beneficial while in a car, a plane, train, etc.? A trick I have done for years is simple and yet effective. Tighten up your abs, as if you are getting ready to be punched by someone right in your

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