by Lajoy Hill

Created on: November 14, 2008   Last Updated: June 29, 2009

The holidays are always an exciting time of the year. There are family gatherings, reuniting with old friends, gifts, and plenty of good food. During this time of the year tasty treats are everywhere. There will be treats in the break room at work, the Christmas party, and don't forget the huge spread at the family dinner. The temptation to eat large portions of unhealthy food will be almost everywhere. It's the holidays! All diets are off, right? You can choose to indulge in the cakes, cookies, ham, and turkey but please remember that it will come back to haunt you around New Years. Here are some tips that will help you fight temptation and help you avoid the holiday bulge.

1. Try to keep office snacking to a minimum.

Fighting the bulge at work can be a struggle with clients sending baskets of goodies, coworkers sharing their favorite holiday recipes, and don't forget the candy bowels filled with chocolates. The best way to fight this temptation is with your own snacks. Keeping healthy portion controlled snacks at your desk and snacking on them throughout the day will make it easier to walk past those candy bowls and the freshet baked brownies in the break room. Good snacks to have on hand are fresh fruit such as grapes or apple wedges. You can also try the 100 calorie pack cookies to satisfy your sweet tooth or 100 calorie pack chips if you are craving something crunchy.

2. Limit your alcohol consumption

Keep in mind that most alcoholic beverages are loaded with calories. Yes the cocktails and the Christmas party are tasty and having one will not do much harm. But be aware of your calorie intake when you are on your third glass and your meal hasn't arrived. If you are eating a big meal along with several alcoholic beverages you could be loading up on calories that will convert to weight gain if you don't burn it off.

3. Remember to stay active

With the help of the internet, Christmas shopping can be done sitting in front of your computer with your chocolate chips cookies and milk. So if you are not out walking the malls get active in other ways. Get up and dance the night away at the Christmas parties. Bundle up the family and take a walk around the neighborhood to look at the Christmas decorations. Buy a Christmas CD and dance to the music while preparing dinner. Whatever you do don't just sit around.

Remembering these simple tips can keep you happy and healthy during the holidays and on into the New Year.

Learn more about this author, Lajoy Hill.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.